Low rate for convictions in rape cases
Fewer than one in six rape cases brought to court by Northumbria Police result in a conviction, figures show.
Data released by the Ministry of Justice reveals that in 2017 only 15% of Northumbria Police’s prosecutions for rape were successful.
Last year the force brought 152 cases to court, and 23 resulted in convictions.
The conviction rate is lower than for other sexual offences, and it’s also worse than other serious crimes such as grievous bodily harm which is 24%.
This data includes cases where rape is the principle or most serious offence, so incidents where the victim was killed would be counted as murder or manslaughter.
A CPS spokeswoman said: “We recognise that rape and serious sexual offences are some of the most complex cases prosecuted by the CPS and we have worked hard in recent years to improve how we deal with these cases.
“We have almost doubled the number of specialist prosecutors in our dedicated Rape and Serious Sexual Offence Units and improved the support we offer victims through criminal proceedings.
“In recognition of the unique challenges involved in prosecuting these offences and taking them to trial, the CPS is focused on building strong cases with all available evidence and supporting victims throughout the process.”
Detective Chief Superintendent Scott Hall, of Northumbria Police’s safeguarding department, said: “I want to make it absolutely clear that protecting those who are vulnerable is Northumbria Police’s number one priority and this clearly includes victims of rape and sexual offences.
“It is encouraging that we have seen an increase in the number of people hav- ing the confidence to come forward to report such offences.
“Coverage of high-profile cases – including historic offences – has also led to more victims coming forward.
“We work proactively to prevent these type of offences from taking place in the first instance.
“However, when they do occur and I want to reassure members of the public that we have dedicated teams and specialist officers who work closely with partners to not only fully investigate but also to provide an all-encompassing, compassionate service to all victims, who are at the heart of everything we do.
“We would encourage anyone who has been a victim of such an offence to come forward.”