£18m in compensation to rape survivors in ONE YEAR – yet charging rates still at 5%

Content warning: this article contains discussions around rape and sexual violence which some readers may find distressing

The Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA) has paid out more than £18m in compensation to survivors in the last year. Yet of the hundreds and thousands of rape and sexual offences reported to UK police forces in the last year, an average of 5% resulted in a charge, a new investigation has revealed. This is no improvement on previous figures.

It comes as minister for safeguarding and violence against women and girls Jess Phillips says survivors are being “let down time and time again”.

Rape and sexual violence: no improvement in charging perpetrators

New data obtained by Sexual Abuse Compensation Advice (SACA) has revealed that between September 2023 and 2024, a total of 189,774 offences were reported to police forces across the UK but just 9,093 resulted in a charge – averaging around 5%.

While there will be cases that may be still under investigation or where some other resolution has been reached, Sexual Abuse Claims Specialist, Ellie Lamey says it is “staggeringly low” and “it is important survivors know that support is available”.

31 out of 43 UK police forces responded to a Freedom of Information request in full within the deadline.

The highest number of rape or sexual offences by far were reported to Greater Manchester Police, of which there were 56,428 in the year up to September 2024. Of those, 3,723 resulted in a charge or summons, according to the force’s figures.

London’s Met Police recorded the second-highest number of offences, standing at 27,213 with 1,415 resulting in a charge or summons.

Out of 31 forces across England and Wales, 97% revealed that the most common age group for rape and sexual offence survivors and victims in the last year was under 18 years:

The latest figures from the Home Office show nearly 1.9m violent or sexual crimes in England and Wales were closed without a suspect being caught or charged in the year to June 2024 – about 89% of all offences given an outcome.

Minister Jess Phillips said:

It is completely unacceptable that fewer and fewer violent and sexual crimes are being solved, with more victims being let down time and time again.

The severity of these numbers prove why violence against women and girls is a national emergency and that is why we have set out our unprecedented mission to halve it in a decade.

Compensations rates low – but higher than charges

Sexual Abuse Compensation Advice also obtained new data from the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA) – which is a government-backed organisation that can offer compensation to survivors of sexual abuse.

In the last year, the CICA received 13,313 applications from victims and survivors of sexual assault or abuse. Of those, 1,763 received compensation – that’s just 13%.

CICA Specialist at SACA, Ellie Lamey said:

The number of sexual assault/abuse victims who have applied for CIC is staggeringly low compared to the number of offences being reported to police forces across the UK.

This, along with mammoth delays in the court system and the early release of prisoners is, of course, hugely concerning for survivors:

SACA’s investigation also uncovered the main reasons why survivors are rejected by the CICA. It is obvious the blame is put onto victims and survivors. The main reasons were:

• The incident was not a ‘crime of violence’.
• The application was made outside the relevant time limit.
• There was a failure to co-operate with bringing the assailant to justice.
• A failure to co-operate with the CICA.

In the last year, the organisation paid out compensation totalling £18,463,509.85 to victims and survivors of sexual abuse – that’s an average payout of £10,472.77 per claimant.

Survivors of rape can take action

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% 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.

Sexual Abuse Compensation Advice (SACA) 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.

Featured image via the Canary