New police figures show increase in positive outcomes for tackling sexual offences in West Midlands
A total of 515 positive outcomes for tackling sexual offences were made in the West Midlands for the first six months of this year.
New figures released by West Midlands Police reveal the force currently have a positive outcome rate of 12.7 per cent for reports of sexual offences, compared with 7.9 per cent this time last year.
The majority of positive outcomes relate to charges or summons, but also includes community resolutions and cautions.
A spokesperson from West Midlands Police said: "Violence against women and girls is a priority for us, and we have pledged to protect women and girls from violence in the home, online and public spaces.
"We have made progress in how to effectively use Stalking Protection Orders, set up internal stalking triage clinics, worked with partners to create more safer public spaces for women and transformed the way we investigate rape and sexual assault under national initiative Operation Soteria.
"Along with the majority of police forces in the UK, latest ONS figures show an increase in sexual offences. Here in the West Midlands, statistics show a 4.8 per cent increase in sexual offences.
"However, since the introduction of new charges such as taking images of upskirting and breastfeeding sexual based offending, the Home Office has changed counting rules."
West Midlands Police have made a 65 per cent increase on actual positive outcomes for sexual offences, which has increased to 515 from 336 for the same period last year.
"We have made significant enhancements to how we handle incoming calls for service and now have independent domestic abuse specialists from charities working across our 999 control rooms," the force said. "They offer expert advice and support, work to identify missed opportunities to properly safeguard victims and their children and ensure victims are referred to specialist support services.
"We know how difficult it can be to report sexual offences, and we'll always do everything we can - alongside partners - to offer help and support.
"We're here 24/7, every day of the year, to listen, understand and do everything we can to protect you and prosecute offenders."
To report sexual offences, please call 101 or contact West Midlands Police via Live Chat. You can also report anonymously to Crimestoppers by calling 0800 555 111.
You can report a sexual offence that happened at any time, as the police take every report seriously, no matter how long has passed.
