The Number Of Charges In Rape Cases In 2020-21 Halved Compared To Those In 2015-16
The number of charges in rape cases in 2020-21 halved compared to those in 2015-16 and rape prosecutions have dropped by a quarter in the last year (Crown Prosecution Service figures 22 July 2021)
Despite more than a 28% increase in police referrals of rape cases to the CPS, the charging volume only increased by 4.7% on the previous year.
These figures show that the increased level of charging by the CPS is not in keeping with the increase in cases being referred from the police to the CPS. This gap indicates that more action must be taken by the CPS to support women and girls in their pursuit for justice.
June 2021 saw the release of the government’s end-to-end rape review and a very clear ambition to improve the charging rates in cases of rape and serious sexual assault. At this time these figures paint a disappointing picture and show a very serious need to radically overhaul our criminal justice system to ensure it is not only fit for purpose but delivering on its promises.
The Victims Commissioner Vera Baird describes the “clear deficiencies in the criminal justice system’s approach to rape” in more detail here: https://victimscommissioner.org.uk/news/cps-data-shows-how-far-government-has-to-go-to-meet-promises-to-rape-victims/
