Concerns as increase in sexual violence against females reported across Yorkshire

Disturbing data published by the Home Office has revealed an alarming increase in recorded sexual offences in Yorkshire since 2010.

The report shows that police forces in Yorkshire recorded 20,525 sexual offences in the year leading up to September - an increase from 19,785 the previous year. The number has surged more than four times since 2009-10, when 4,633 sexual offences were logged.

While the victims' gender is not specified, previous statistics found that;

• More than 80 per cent of sexual assault victims are female. 
• 4.3 per cent of women aged 16 to 59 in England and Wales experienced sexual assault in the year to March, an increase of 3.4 per cent from 2009-10.
• Rape and sexual assault against women and girls recorded by police jumped from 34,000 to 123,000 although the reason for this could be partly due to improved crime recording.

These are the number of sexual assaults recorded in every police force area in Yorkshire;

West Yorkshire Police

• Number of sex offences 2023/24: 10,187
• Number of sex offences 2022/23: 9,578
• Number of sex offences 2009/10: 2,001

South Yorkshire Police

• Number of sex offences 2023/24: 4,994
• Number of sex offences 2022/23: 4,545
• Number of sex offences 2009/10: 910

North Yorkshire Police

• Number of sex offences 2023/24: 2,001
• Number of sex offences 2022/23: 2,190
• Number of sex offences 2009/10: 573

Humberside Police

• Number of sex offences 2023/24: 3,343
• Number of sex offences 2022/23: 3,472
• Number of sex offences 2009/10: 1,149

Authorities have been criticised for not improving outcomes for victims and the Home Office is accused of “not currently leading an effective cross-Government response" and of historically underspending by an average of 15 per cent.

Violence against women and girls reportedly affects one in 12 women.

According to the National Police Chiefs' Council, Operation Soteria was initiated in response to national concern about the investigation of rape and serious sexual assault offences and the "increasing epidemic that is violence against women and girls". The Council states that the programme aids forces with the insight of "academic experts" and "practitioner knowledge".

A spokesperson for the Home Office commented on the report's focus on the previous government's "failure to deliver systemic change", and assured that Labour is "delivering a step-change in the Government's response". The spokesperson said: "Over the last six months, we have wasted no time in taking action to better protect victims and pursue perpetrators."

They added that initiatives such as new domestic abuse protection orders, the introduction of domestic abuse experts in 999 control rooms, and bolstered police action against spiking and stalking. 

Jordans Solicitors – helping victims of sexual abuse claim compensation.

If you have been a victim and would like to speak to one of our Specialist Abuse Lawyers in confidence, please do not hesitate to contact us.

We have the knowledge and experience to advise you on the available options for pursuing a Criminal Injuries Compensation Claim and/or civil damages claim.