Sexual offence reports have surged in Avon and Somerset over recent years, with Yeovil emerging as the area with the highest number of recorded incidents since 2022. Data from Sexual Abuse Compensation Advice reveals that 5,245 cases of rape and sexual offences were reported to Avon and Somerset Police in 2022/23, rising to 6,155 the following year. The latest figures indicate a further increase to 7,652 reported offences over the past year.
Yeovil Town alone accounted for 559 of these reports since 2022, making it the most affected location. Other areas with high reports included Bristol’s Old City Docks with 403 incidents, as well as Bath City Centre, Hartcliffe, Withywood, Taunton Central, and Weston Town Centre.
Lucy Duckworth, Policy Advisor at The Survivors Trust, commented on the challenges victims face: “Many survivors hesitate to report offences due to the trauma involved in the process. Only 15% of offences are reported, and just 1.6% lead to prosecution in the same year. This indicates a system struggling to deliver justice for victims rather than one simply in need of reform.”
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She emphasized the need for systemic change: “A cultural shift is essential. Mandatory training for police and frontline staff on handling cases of sexual violence is critical. With an estimated 14 million adult survivors in the country, victim-blaming attitudes discourage reporting. More importantly, efforts must focus on preventing abuse, not only addressing its aftermath.”
A police spokesperson clarified that the 1.6% prosecution figure pertains only to charges within the same year as the report, with many cases leading to charges later. The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) added that in the South West, 80% of rape cases referred by police are charged, and approximately 60% of those charged result in convictions.
The CPS further highlighted improvements: “Since 2019, convictions for rape in the South West have risen by 74, reaching 177 in 2024. We are committed to enhancing victim support to reduce withdrawals from prosecutions and bring more offenders to justice.”
Avon and Somerset Police praised Operation Bluestone, their evidence-led approach launched nearly four years ago and now adopted nationally under Operation Soteria. This initiative places perpetrators’ behaviour at the centre of investigations, strengthens victim support, and reassures survivors they will be believed regardless of how long ago the offence occurred.
The force also undertakes proactive measures like Project Vigilant, where plain-clothed officers monitor nightlife areas to identify and intervene in predatory behaviour before offences occur.
Despite rising reports, positive outcomes have improved, with rape charge rates tripling. Police acknowledge ongoing challenges and emphasize collaboration with CPS, Independent Sexual Violence Advisors (ISVAs), and Sexual Assault Referral Centres (SARCs) to ensure victims receive comprehensive support throughout the legal process.
All new officers receive specialized training with input from ISVAs and the Serious Sexual Offences team, aiming to uphold best practices and continuously enhance investigation quality and victim care.