This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-london-62257103

The article has changed 2 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 0 Version 1
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 showMore 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.ukFollow 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