Ten Dorset rape convictions last year with hundreds of reports

Ministry of Justice figures show 19 rape cases were heard in court in 2021 following investigations by Dorset Police, with 10 resulting in convictions, up from two in 2019, before the coronavirus pandemic.

But 815 alleged rapes were recorded by the force last year, separate Home Office data outlines, meaning only a fraction are likely to lead to a conviction.

Jayne Butler, chief executive of Rape Crisis highlighted how low prosecution rates have "effectively decriminalised" rape and discouraged victims from coming forward and reporting crimes.

In Dorset, just 1.7 per cent of the 815 rape investigations concluded by police last year led to a charge or summons.

Some 15 per cent of cases were dropped due to evidential difficulties, despite the support of the victim and the suspect being identified, while a further 69 per cent were dropped because the victim did not support further action.

No suspect was identified in five per cent of cases.

A spokesperson from Dorset Police said: “We are committed to providing the highest levels of service to victims of serious sexual offences.

“There are huge challenges around the investigation of sexual offences and we are committed to working with partners to ensure the best possible outcomes for all victims.

“It is important to recognise that a rape might be recorded when a disclosure is made to a third-party individual or professional by a victim, even if they do not want to report the matter themselves to the police.

“As part of our victim-led approach we have to acknowledge that there are some cases where the victim is not seeking a criminal justice outcome.

“There can be a range of complex reasons behind this and we do not underestimate the importance of listening to these individuals and helping to ensure they have access to the appropriate support, while respecting their decision not to go through the criminal justice process if it is deemed appropriate.”