Revealed: Only five per cent of reported sexual offenders charged in South Wales last year

Only 155 out of over 3,435 reported sexual offences resulted in a charge


New data has revealed that South Wales Police only charged five per cent of reported sexual offenders between September 2023 and 2024.

This comes as over 3,400 rape and sexual offences were reported to the force within those 12 months.

In new data obtained by Sexual Abuse Compensation Advice (SACA), it was revealed that during this time, 3,435 offences were reported to South Wales Police but only 155 resulted in a charge.

The two most common sexual offences reported were sexual assault on a female aged 13 and over, of which 1,259 of these reports were logged by police and the rape of a female aged 16 and over, which accounts for 935 reports.

A further 352 offences were also reported for sexual assault on a female child under 13. All of these reports were made and logged in the aforementioned period.

According to Swansea Bay News, this follows the release of new figures from the Home Office showing that nearly 1.9 million violent or sexual crimes in England and Wales were closed without a suspect being caught or charged in 2024, which works out as 89 per cent of cases.

On the latest statistics, Minister for Safeguarding and Violence Against Women and Girls, Jess Phillips said: “It is completely unacceptable that fewer and fewer violent and sexual crimes are being solved, with more victims being let down time and time again

“The severity of these numbers prove why violence against women and girls is a national emergency and that is why we have set out our unprecedented mission to halve it in a decade.”

Some of these cases may still be under investigation, but Sexual Abuse Claims Specialist, Ellie Lamey said it is “staggeringly low” and “it is important victims know that support is available.”

According to South Wales Police, the majority of rape and sexual offence victims in the last year were aged between 11 and 30, while the most common age group for the suspects was between 31 and 40.

Talking about seeking help, Ellie added: “It is so important that victims know there is support available for them and not to be deterred or fearful of rejection. Victims should be aware that they can report historical periods of abuse/assaults to the police, regardless of the amount of time that has passed.

“Victims can avoid rejections by ensuring they fully cooperate with the police in bringing the assailant to justice as well as seeking appropriate medical attention regarding any physical or psychological injuries sustained from the assault they are a victim of.”

SACA offers a specialist service for anyone looking for support and advice after being affected by rape or sexual assault and operates a 24-hour helpline and live chat service which can be accessed via its website.

A spokesperson from the South Wales Police told The Cardiff Tab: “Every report of rape or other sexual offence is taken at face value and recorded on the force recording crime system, irrespective of the source of the report. This includes reports made by third parties, through partnership working or from other agencies. In addition, some victims do not support police action in terms of engagement in the judicial process, however a referral will still be made to partner agencies to ensure that a victim receives support.

“Staff who deal with cases of this nature undertake a comprehensive training and accreditation process to ensure a professional investigation and the best outcome for victims.”

The spokesperson added that the force “continues to prioritise its response to allegations of sexual offences and actively encourages victims to have confidence in reporting these crimes”, and that its focus, along with its partner agencies, is “firmly on victim’s needs and improving outcomes while increasing the number of offenders brought to justice”.

They concluded: “South Wales Police has dedicated rape investigation teams, consisting of 114 staff through the force and is a lead force for Operation Soteria and we remain committed to embedding this new national operating model to improve our service to victims and judicial outcomes for suspects.”

Feature image credit: Unsplash