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Record numbers of sexual offences reported in London | Record numbers of sexual offences reported in London |
(7 months later) | |
More rapes were recorded last year than at any point in the last 10 years, new figures show | More rapes were recorded last year than at any point in the last 10 years, new figures show |
A record number of reported rapes and sexual assaults in London will push the court system to "breaking point", a victims commissioner has said. | A record number of reported rapes and sexual assaults in London will push the court system to "breaking point", a victims commissioner has said. |
Last year 7,500 women reported a sexual assault to the Met Police, the highest figure for a decade, new Home Office data reveals. | Last year 7,500 women reported a sexual assault to the Met Police, the highest figure for a decade, new Home Office data reveals. |
The number of reported sexual assaults against males aged 13 and over saw a 59% increase, to 924 cases. | The number of reported sexual assaults against males aged 13 and over saw a 59% increase, to 924 cases. |
London's victim's commissioner called the rise "deeply concerning". | London's victim's commissioner called the rise "deeply concerning". |
"Particularly at a time when there are record backlogs in the courts," Claire Waxman said. | "Particularly at a time when there are record backlogs in the courts," Claire Waxman said. |
New figures show that 9,245 rapes were reported to the Met in the 12 months to March - a 24% increase on the previous year. | New figures show that 9,245 rapes were reported to the Met in the 12 months to March - a 24% increase on the previous year. |
This means there were more rapes recorded last year than at any point in the last 10 years. | This means there were more rapes recorded last year than at any point in the last 10 years. |
The total recorded reports of sexual offences - a broad crime category that includes rape, sexual assault and sexual abuse - received by the Met Police increased by 34%. | The total recorded reports of sexual offences - a broad crime category that includes rape, sexual assault and sexual abuse - received by the Met Police increased by 34%. |
Across England and Wales there has been a 32% increase in reports of sexual offences last year. | Across England and Wales there has been a 32% increase in reports of sexual offences last year. |
The increase follows a number of high-profile cases of sexual violence, like the rape and murder of Sarah Everard and the "sexually motivated" murder of Sabina Nessa. | The increase follows a number of high-profile cases of sexual violence, like the rape and murder of Sarah Everard and the "sexually motivated" murder of Sabina Nessa. |
How many violent attacks on women are there? | How many violent attacks on women are there? |
Why do so few rape cases go to court? | Why do so few rape cases go to court? |
Despite the record increase in the number of offences being reported, the real total is believed to be much higher. | Despite the record increase in the number of offences being reported, the real total is believed to be much higher. |
Serious sexual offences are taking the longest time on record to go through Crown Courts in England and Wales. | Serious sexual offences are taking the longest time on record to go through Crown Courts in England and Wales. |
A BBC investigation found the average case length for sexual offences was nine months. | A BBC investigation found the average case length for sexual offences was nine months. |
Ms Waxman said: "The Government has chronically underfunded the criminal justice system for over a decade and the courts are now struggling to function with the impact of the pandemic and industrial action. | Ms Waxman said: "The Government has chronically underfunded the criminal justice system for over a decade and the courts are now struggling to function with the impact of the pandemic and industrial action. |
"The system is at breaking point." | "The system is at breaking point." |
For the year ending September 2021, just 1.3% of rape offences have led to a charge or further court proceedings. | For the year ending September 2021, just 1.3% of rape offences have led to a charge or further court proceedings. |
A Met Police spokesperson said: "We know sexual offences have been underreported in the past and we have been working hard to increase reports to the Met in order for us to investigate. | A Met Police spokesperson said: "We know sexual offences have been underreported in the past and we have been working hard to increase reports to the Met in order for us to investigate. |
"The public is rightly less tolerant of these crimes and are speaking out." | "The public is rightly less tolerant of these crimes and are speaking out." |
"We continue to encourage anyone who has been a victim of sexual assault to report it police, you will be supported and any crimes will be fully investigated." | "We continue to encourage anyone who has been a victim of sexual assault to report it police, you will be supported and any crimes will be fully investigated." |
Follow BBC London on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Send your story ideas to hellobbclondon@bbc.co.uk | Follow BBC London on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Send your story ideas to hellobbclondon@bbc.co.uk |
Related Topics | |
Sexual violence | |
Sarah Everard murder | |
Metropolitan Police Service | |
London | |
Sabina Nessa death |
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