200 rapes were reported in Cov last year but fifth led to conviction

NEARLY 200 rapes were recorded in Coventry in 2016 - more than one every other day.

Figures from West Midlands Police reveal a total of 194 rapes offences were reported in the city last year.

However, only onefifth (40) of those led to a conviction.

And the Coventry Rape and Sexual Abuse Centre (CRASAC) say that the figures are just the tip of the iceberg with only 15 per cent of rapes actually reported to police “because of fear, stigma and shame”.

West Midlands Police have stated there has been a rise in the number of investigations in to historical sex offences, but admit they can be “complex and lengthy”.

They also highlighted recent high-profile cases in the city that have led to a total of eight men serving nearly 70 years behind bars.

Five men from Coventry were jailed for 42 years for raping and sexually abusing two teenage girls after being convicted in December.

And three other men were sentenced to a total of 27 years in prison for gang-raping a woman they met outside the Ricoh Arena in January 2016.

A statement from West Midlands Police read: “We take any allegation of rape extremely seriously and we have specialist officers who can support anyone who makes a complaint.

“We have been working with local partners to improve reporting of sexual offences; which has seen a rise in the number of historical cases we now investigate.

“These can be complex and lengthy investigations before sufficient evidence is presented to the CPS to seek a charge.

“The force has been able to successfully prosecute offenders, including a gang of five men who were jailed for 42 years for sexual offences earlier this year - with three of them charged with rape.

“We also helped to convict three men in May for a stranger rape and they were sentenced for a total of 30 years.”

A spokesman for CRASAC said: “At CRASAC we know that reporting rape to the police can be a very difficult experience and that the majority of reports do not lead to a conviction.

“We also know that only 15 per cent of rapes are reported to the police because of fear, stigma and shame.

“That is why our focus is on ensuring that all women, men and children who experience this devastating crime can get the support they need to rebuild their lives, regardless of the criminal justice outcome.

“We provide free and confidential support to any survivor from the age of five upwards.

“This includes a confidential helpline and independent advice.”

CRASAC’s helpline is open Monday to Friday 10am-2pm and then 6pm-8pm on Monday and Thursday evenings on 024 7627 7777 or visit www.crasac.org.uk.