Only 1 in 10 sexual assault survivors in England and Wales would report again: survey

A recent survey of sexual assault survivors in England and Wales has revealed alarming insights: only one in 10 survivors would consider reporting the crime again.

Three-quarters of the victims noted that police response had a detrimental effect on their mental health.

Conducted over 18 months with 5,000 participants, the survey sheds light on the ongoing struggles survivors face within the justice system.

Researchers found that 75% of respondents reported mental health impacts due to police actions or inactions in handling their cases. However, recent improvements are beginning to emerge following the 2021 overhaul of the criminal justice response to rape, with “green shoots” of progress noted by researchers. Respondents after July 2022 were reportedly 8% less likely to experience mental health issues related to police handling, reported The Guardian.

Operation Soteria, a police initiative focused on targeting perpetrators rather than scrutinizing victim behavior, was rolled out in 2023. The initiative, which followed a comprehensive review of the low prosecution rates for rape, is showing early signs of success. In the year ending December 2023, sexual offense charges rose by 18%, and charges for adult rape increased by 38%.

Lead researcher and government adviser Katrin Hohl noted, “Some victims are getting better service now, but not all. This is the first clear indication that Operation Soteria is the right model to back.” Survivors now report increased empathy from police, better rights awareness, and referrals to support services. Yet, a potential shortage of support workers remains an issue, as nearly half of victims after July 2023 reported being on waiting lists for support services.

Notably, the survey found that survivors prioritize preventing further offenses over securing convictions. Of seven “positive outcome” options given, conviction ranked last, with only 56% considering it extremely important. In contrast, 88% felt that stopping the perpetrator from reoffending was essential.

Survivors’ voices echo that of French advocate Gisèle Pelicot: the shame should rest with perpetrators, not victims.

Andrea Simon, director of the End Violence Against Women Coalition, emphasized the importance of empathy, stating that when survivors are treated with compassion, it has a positive effect on their healing. Additionally, Victims’ Commissioner Helen Newlove urged the government to ensure continued funding for Operation Soteria, as funding is set to expire in March 2025.

Jess Phillips, Minister for Safeguarding and Violence Against Women and Girls, acknowledged the report’s stark findings, underscoring the need for sustained improvements in policing responses. The Home Office confirmed that policing funds for 2025-26 are under review, while the Ministry of Justice allocated £49 million to the Crown Prosecution Service for victim support, including rape victims.

Phillips concluded, “We are committed to using these insights to deliver lasting improvements, as part of our mission to halve violence against women and girls in the next decade.”