Just 6% of Cambridgeshire’s reported rape and sexual offenders were charged in 2024

More than 2,800 rape and sexual offences were reported to Cambridgeshire Police in the last year, but just 5% resulted in a charge or summons.

New data obtained by Sexual Abuse Compensation Advice (SACA) has revealed that between September 2022 and 2023, a total of 2,813 offences were reported to the force but just 160 charges or summons were issued during that time.

Sexual abuse claims specialist, Ellie Lamey said it is “staggeringly low” and “it is important victims know that support is available”.

The most common offences reported to Cambridgeshire Police in the last year were sexual assaults, of which there were 1,042 logged by the force.

But during the same period, just 39 sexual assaults resulted in a charge.

A total of 901 rape offences were reported to the force in the last year as well as 728 logged as ‘other sexual offences’ and a further 142 ‘other serious sexual offences’.

At the same time, just 13 charges were issued for rape offences, 69 for ‘other sexual offences’ and 39 charges for ‘other serious sexual offences’.

According to the force, the majority of rape and sexual offence victims in 2024 were between the ages of 11-18 while the most common age group for offenders and suspects was between 19-30.

Sexual Abuse Compensation Advice also obtained new data from the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA) - which 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.

Ellie, who is a CICA specialist with SACA said: “The number of sexual assault/abuse victims who have applied for Criminal Injuries Compensation 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.