HAMPSHIRE POLICE have outlined the challenges they face when bringing rapists and sex offenders to justice.

Rape is one of the most complex crimes with many difficulties gathering evidence, according to the force.

These include consent issues, vulnerable victims, witnesses or even no witnesses at all.

 

It comes following the shocking revelation that almost half of all rape allegations in Hampshire are dropped by the complainant.

According to Home Office data, of 836 rape cases closed by Hampshire Constabulary between April and September last year, 83 per cent were dropped due to problems gathering evidence.

 

In more than half, police said that the victim no longer supported the investigation. This is despite a suspect being identified in 89 per cent of them. The figures also show that just 5 per cent of rape cases resulted in a charge or summons.

Commenting, Detective Chief Inspector Roger Wood said: “There is always room for improvement, and we are always trying to improve - that’s our ambition. The amount of rape allegations where a suspect is identified but the victim does not support prosecution is at 52 per cent. However, we have seen recent increases in charge and conviction rates which are a positive step. Through our work with partners, we’ve made it easier for victims to report to police and our work to train officers to ensure a compassionate and caring response means many more victims now have the confidence to come forward and report their experience to police. We can provide victims with access to other supportive services beyond the Criminal Justice System to cope and recover.”

Detective Inspector Roger Wood, of the major crimes team at Hampshire Constabulary.

Detective Inspector Roger Wood, of the major crimes team at Hampshire Constabulary.

DCI Wood leads Operation Amberstone - the team that investigates rape and serious sexual offences in Hampshire. He reports that since last year the force has been working more closely with the CPS to bring offenders to justice. He says there has been a steady increase in charge and conviction rates since March 2020.

He added: “We are also working to ensure victims understand why digital evidence and third party martial is relevant to an investigation and how we collect it and why. Everyone with a role in investigating and prosecuting these crimes acknowledges there is more to be done to increase the number of cases brought before a court and subsequently the number that results in a conviction.”