Shocking Data Reveals Only 2% of Sexual Offence Reports Lead to Charges in Devon & Cornwall

Infographic copyright: sexualabusecompensationadvice.org.uk 

Over 2,200 Reports Filed in One Year

More than 2,200 rape and sexual offences were reported to Devon and Cornwall Police over the past year, but only 2% resulted in charges or summons, according to data obtained by Sexual Abuse Compensation Advice (SACA).

The figures, covering September 2023 to 2024, show that of the 2,209 reports received by the force, only 50 led to formal action.

Most Common Offences

The most frequently reported offence was sexual assault of a female, with 781 incidents logged, though only 18 resulted in charges. Reports of rape of a female followed closely behind, with 721 reports but again just 18 charges or summons during the same period.

Victim and Suspect Demographics

The data highlights concerning trends in victim and suspect age groups. The majority of victims were aged between 10 and 19, while the most common age range for offenders was 30 to 39.

Limited Compensation for Victims

In addition to police data, SACA shared insights from the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA), a government-backed organisation that compensates victims of sexual abuse. Over the past year, the CICA received 13,313 applications for compensation from victims of sexual assault or abuse, with just 1,763 successful claims—representing 13% of applications.

SACA specialist Ellie Lamey described the low approval rate as “staggeringly low compared to the number of offences being reported to police forces across the UK.”

Reasons for Rejection

SACA’s investigation identified several reasons why CICA applications may be rejected:

• The incident did not meet the definition of a ‘crime of violence’
• The application was submitted outside the relevant time limit
• Failure to cooperate with the police or the CICA during investigations

Despite these barriers, £18.4 million in compensation was paid out to victims over the past year.

The Importance of Support

Ellie emphasised the importance of victims knowing their rights and seeking support:

“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 or assaults to the police, regardless of the amount of time that has passed.”

She added that victims can strengthen their claims by providing medical evidence of injuries and cooperating fully with investigations:

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

Accessing Help

SACA offers a 24-hour helpline and live chat service for those seeking advice and support following sexual assault or abuse. Further details are available on their website.

For those affected, knowing the resources available can make a significant difference in the pursuit of justice and compensation.

Infographic copyright: sexualabusecompensationadvice.org.uk