Just seven per cent of rape and sexual assault complaints result in a charge

More than 56,000 rape and sexual offences have been reported to Greater Manchester Police (GMP)  in the last year, but just seven per cent resulted in a charge.

More than 56,000 rape and sexual offences have been reported to Greater Manchester Police (GMP)  in the last year, but just seven per cent resulted in a charge.

It comes as the minister for safeguarding and violence against women and girls, Jess Phillips says victims are being “let down time and time again” by police. 

New data obtained by Sexual Abuse Compensation Advice (SACA) has revealed that between September 2023 and 2024, a total of 56,428 offences were reported to the Greater Manchester force but just 3,723 resulted in a charge or summons.

While there will be cases that may be still under investigation or where some other resolution has been reached, Sexual Abuse Claims Specialist, Ellie Lamey says it is “staggeringly low” and “it is important victims know that support is available.”

In the last year, there were 34,878 sexual offences reported to GMP as well as a further 21,550 rape offences.

Of those, just 2,623 sexual offences resulted in a charge and only 1,100 charges of rape - that’s 7 per cent. 

According to the force, the majority of rape and sexual offence victims and suspects were between the ages of 10-19.

The latest figures from the Home Office show nearly 1.9m violent or sexual crimes in England and Wales were closed without a suspect being caught or charged in the year to June 2024 - about 89 per cent of all offences given an outcome. 

Minister Jess Phillips said: “It is completely unacceptable that fewer and fewer violent and sexual crimes are being solved, with more victims being let down time and time again.

“The severity of these numbers prove why violence against women and girls is a national emergency and that is why we have set out our unprecedented mission to halve it in a decade.”

The Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA) is a government-backed organisation that can offer compensation to victims of sexual abuse.

In the last year, the CICA received 13,313 applications from alleged victims of sexual assault or abuse. 

Of those, 1,763 received compensation - that’s just 13 per cent. 

CICA Specialist Ellie Lamey said: “The number of sexual assault/abuse victims who have applied for CIC is staggeringly low compared to the number of offences being reported to police forces across the UK.”

This, along with mammoth delays in the court system and the early release of prisoners is, of course, hugely concerning for victims. 

SACA’s investigation also uncovered the main reasons why victims are rejected by the CICA. They include: the incident was not a ‘crime of violence’, the application was made outside the relevant time limit, failure to co-operate with bringing the assailant to justice and failure to co-operate with the CICA.

In the last year, the organisation paid out compensation totalling £18,463,509.85 to victims of sexual abuse.

Ms Lamey added: “It is so important that victims know there is support available for them and not to be deterred or fearful of rejection.

“Victims should be aware that they can report historical periods of abuse/assaults to the police, regardless of the amount of time that has passed. 

“Victims can avoid rejections by ensuring they fully cooperate with the police in bringing the assailant to justice as well as seeking appropriate medical attention regarding any physical or psychological injuries sustained from the assault they are a victim of.

“CICA data from 2020-2022 shows that 18 per cent of applications are submitted outside of the two-year time limit, and of these 61 per cent went on to receive an award. 

“With relevant evidence, we can provide exceptional circumstances that have contributed to the delay in a victim submitting an application.”