New statistics has revealed that over 140 prosecutions have emerged from more than 4,200 reported rape and sexual offences to Nottinghamshire Police over a 12-month period. This amounts to merely 3 percent.
Information acquired via a Freedom of Information request by Sexual Abuse Compensation Advice from Nottinghamshire Police indicates that over 4,200 sexual offences were recorded to the agency between September 2023 and September 2024. This represented a 20 percent increase from the previous year, during which 3,509 crimes were registered.
A total of 145 crimes led to charges in 2023/2024. The reports encompassed acts including indecent exposure, voyeurism, incest, sexual conduct with a minor under 16, sexual assault, and rape.
The most often reported offence was the rape of a female over 16, with 1,107 reports leading to 32 charges. This was succeeded by sexual assault against a female over the age of 13, resulting in 1,025 reports and 43 charges.
The data indicates that the majority of victims, at 1,696, were under the age of 18, followed by 1,169 victims in the 18-30 age range. The majority of perpetrators were aged 31 to 40, totalling 929 individuals.
This was succeeded by the 18-30 and under 18 age categories. Superintendent Richard Bull of Nottinghamshire Police’s public protection branch stated that the force’s figures above the average and asserted that it was “doing everything possible” to assist victims.
“Rape and serious sexual assault offences are among the most sensitive and intricate cases we investigate, and we recognise the profound impact these crimes have on victim-survivors.” Consequently, in conjunction with the CPS, we prioritise certain cases and permit investigation solely by specialised teams of professional detectives.
Superintendent Bull elucidated that the force has recently commenced the implementation of training via the College of Policing’s Serious Sexual Assault Investigative Development Programme, which has been newly inaugurated. He stated, “We are dedicated to undertaking all necessary actions to attain justice for victim-survivors.”
This is evidenced by our pricing rate, which substantially exceeds the regional and national norm. In 2023/24, 7.9 percent of reported rapes led to a charge or charges.
“The national average during the same period was 2.6 percent.” Our charge rate for other sexual offences was 10.9 percent, in contrast to the national rate of 4.2 percent.
The officer stated that several forces have implemented diverse methodologies in collaboration with the CPS to enhance the investigation of sexual offences and the ensuing prosecutions. Superintendent Bull stated: “The results from these pilots were thoroughly examined, and Nottinghamshire Police promptly implemented the new national operational framework, designated Operation Soteria.”
“This has facilitated efficient and prompt investigations, expedited charging decisions, enhanced court outcomes, and improved collaborative efforts.” The force is actively participating in the Consent Coalition, an assembly of organisations in Nottingham dedicated to emphasising the significance of consent.
The group aims to dispel misconceptions around rape and sexual violence while promoting victim assistance. Survivors receive assistance from the Sexual Assault Referral Centre in Nottingham, which provides complimentary practical support to anyone aged 18 and older.
Superintendent Bull stated: “We recognise that victim-survivors of these offences frequently seek our assistance during the most challenging periods of their lives, and I want them to be assured that we will exert every effort to support them.” A recent Government study highlighted that not all victim-survivors who report incidents to the police desire a criminal justice resolution.
Consequently, evaluating charge rates over a 12-month period in relation to the level of reported crime might occasionally be deceptive. We strongly encourage any individuals who have experienced a sexual crime to come forward and seek the support they so deserve.
“Support is accessible to all, regardless of a victim-survivor’s decision to engage law enforcement.”
If you or anyone you know have been affected by the people highlighted in this article, then please report those individuals to the Police on 101 (999 if an emergency) or visit their online resources for further details of the options for reporting a crime. You can also make a report at Crimestoppers should you wish to be completely anonymous. There is help available on our support links page.