Over 1,600 incidents of rape and sexual offences were reported to Dyfed-Powys Police in the past year; however, just three percent led to a charge or summons.
Recent data from Sexual Abuse Compensation Advice (SACA) indicates that from September 2023 to 2024, 1,686 offences were recorded to law enforcement, although only 47 led to a charge or summons.
Sexual Abuse Claims Specialist Ellie Lamey states that the number is “staggeringly low” and emphasises the importance of informing victims that support is accessible.
In the past year, Dyfed-Powys Police recorded 1,141 sexual offences and an additional 545 rapes.
Out of those, just 47 led to a charge, while 552 offences remain under investigation.
The data indicates that most victims and suspected offenders of rape and sexual offences were aged 0-17.
Sexual assault Compensation Advice has also acquired fresh information from the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA), a government-supported entity that provides compensation to victims of sexual assault.
During the previous year, the CICA received 13,313 applications from purported victims of sexual assault or abuse.
Out of that total, 1,763 individuals were compensated, or merely 13 percent.
Ellie Lamey, CICA Specialist at SACA, stated: “The quantity of sexual assault/abuse victims who have sought CIC is remarkably low in comparison to the number of offences reported to police forces throughout the UK.”
This, coupled with significant delays in the judicial system and the premature release of inmates, is undeniably alarming for victims.
SACA’s investigation revealed 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.
Specialist Ellie 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.”
Dyfed-Powys Police responded to the data saying that it had the second highest conviction rate for rape offences in England and Wales at 72.7% in the year to date.
However, the force said it recognises that there is still a lot more to do to ensure that all victims-survivors get the justice they deserve.
One of the force’s priorities is to provide a compassionate response to victims of rape and serious sexual assault and the relentless pursuit of offenders
The force joined Operation Sorteria Bluestone in 2022, the aim of which was to transform the policing response to rape and serious sexual offences (RASSO).
A spokesperson said: “We are committed to supporting victims-survivors of rape and sexual assault and all detectives are fully trained in the College of Policing Rape and Serious Sexual Offences Investigative Skills Development Programme (RISDP).
“We’ve revolutionised our response to rape victims-survivors by providing an option of speaking to an officer via video call utilising specialist software. This has enabled victims-survivors to have access to specialist support in an environment which is comfortable for them.
“Rape and sexual offences investigations can be complex and due to their very nature can take longer than 12 months to investigate thoroughly.
“The Government’s review also acknowledged that not all victims-survivors who report incidents to the police want to proceed with a criminal justice outcome.
“As such, measuring charge rates within a 12-month period against the volume of crime reported can be sometimes misleading.”
The police spokesperson added: “We would urge anyone who has been a victim-survivor of a sexual offence to please come forward and get the support they rightly deserve.
“Whether a victim-survivor chooses to involve the police or not, support is available to everyone. New Pathways is the largest sexual violence support provider in Wales, with extensive experience of delivering specialist support to adults and children affected by the trauma of rape, sexual assault or sexual abuse.
“We would also encourage victims-survivors of sexual assault to seek help through sexual assault referral centres (SARCs). SARCs provide a safe space and dedicated care for people who have been raped, sexually assaulted or abused, and are here for everyone.”
Visit New Pathways on www.newpathways.org.uk, or to find a SARC go to collaborative.nhs.wales/SARCs
For details of support services and how to report a sexual offence, including non-recent incidents, visit https://bit.ly/reportsexualoffences
If you have been a victim of a crime, report it to Dyfed-Powys Police, either online at: https://bit.ly/DPPContactOnline, by emailing 101@dyfed-powys.police.uk, or by calling 101. If you are deaf, hard of hearing, or speech impaired text the non-emergency number on 07811 311 908.
Alternatively, contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously by calling 0800 555111, or visiting www.crimestoppers-uk.org
Sexual Abuse Compensation Advice (SACA) also offers a specialist service for anyone looking for support and advice after being affected by rape or sexual assault.
They operate a 24-hour helpline and live chat service which you can access on their website.
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.