Suspects charged in just 4% of rape cases
Just one in every 24 rape cases reported to West Midlands Police ends with a suspect being charged, new figures show.
And only 11 per cent of cases of violence against the person result in criminal charges, as the region’s cash-strapped force struggles to deal with an out-of-control crime wave.
Staffordshire Police charged a suspect in less than four per cent of rape cases, while just one in 11 violent attacks saw criminal charges being brought.
The chief constables of both forces have warned that budget cuts have led to dire consequences for the police, with WMP’s Dave Thompson admitting he no longer had the resources available to pursue criminals.
Across England and Wales, a suspect was charged in four per cent of rape cases and eight per cent of other sexual offences.
In more than a third of rape reports, the case was closed because of lack of evidence with the victim unwilling to support further police action.
Katie Russell, of Rape Crisis England and Wales, said: “These figures are extremely concerning, but reflect what we already know: that the criminal justice system is currently failing victims and survivors of rape, sexual abuse and all forms of sexual violence.”
Across England and Wales the rate at which charges are brought in rape cases has dropped sharply in recent years.
In 2014-15, 22 per cent of cases resulted in a charge or summons to court – though the number of cases reported has also increased significantly.
The National Police Chiefs’ Council lead for adult sex offences and rape, Assistant Commissioner Martin Hewitt, said: “The police service response to the investigation of rape and sexual assault is constantly evolving.
“Significant improvements in the specialist training of officers, greater access to sexual assault referral centres, and improved crime recording practices are all aimed at supporting those who take the brave step in coming forward and improving the service they receive.”
The rate at which reports of crimes could lead to a charge were affected by many factors, including the length of time needed to investigate victims’ reports and review digital and third-party evidence, he added.
