Nearly two-thirds of all rape cases dropped by victims in Dorset
Dorset Police say there are 'huge challenges' around investigating sexual assaults
Nearly two-thirds of all rape cases are dropped by the person making the allegation in Dorset.
Home Office data shows that of the 332 rape investigations closed by Dorset Police between April and September last year, 87% were dropped due to problems gathering evidence.
In most of those cases, police said that the alleged victim no longer supported the investigation. A suspect had already been identified in 66% of them.
Men, who are typically less likely to report rape, made far fewer allegations than women - 30 compared to 302 - and were less likely to drop their case.
The figures also show that just 4% of rape cases closed by Dorset Police in that period resulted in a charge or summons.
Charity Rape Crisis and the Criminal Bar Association say lengthy delays within the criminal justice system contribute to the growing issue, a problem exacerbated by court delays linked to the coronavirus pandemic.
Figures for the whole of England and Wales - excluding Greater Manchester - show that 42% of rape investigations closed in the year to September 2020 were abandoned after those who reported attacks withdrew their support, while just 1.5% resulted in a charge or summons.
In Dorset, 61% of all rape cases closed over six months were dropped because victims did not support further action.
A Rape Crisis spokeswoman said it is common for people to withdraw from investigations.
She added: "It wasn't uncommon pre-pandemic for survivors to have to wait two years or more between reporting and their case reaching court.
"That is a very long time to effectively have to keep the memory of what might have been the most traumatic experience of a person's life to date at the forefront of their thoughts.
"As well as this, the criminal justice process itself is too often re-traumatising for victims and survivors, who tell us they don't always feel believed or even that they feel like they're the ones under investigation rather than the suspect."
Dorset Police have issued this statement to Greatest Hits Radio Dorset:
"Dorset Police is a victim-led force and we recognise the physical and psychological consequences of a serious sexual assault are likely to be profound, wide-ranging and complex.
"There is no single response to rape cases and decision-making encompasses a wide range of factors.
"This response includes considerations around safeguarding, providing the appropriate support and respecting the wishes of the victim. Dorset Police is in line with the national average around victims declining to support prosecutions and the number of overall male rapes reported to police.
"In partnership with CPS Wessex and other local forces we have developed a joint action plan in relation to rape and serious sexual offences as we look to increase the number of successful convictions.
"Dorset Police is committed to providing the highest levels of service to victims of serious sexual offences, whilst signposting to professionals who can support victims through the criminal justice system. We acknowledge there are huge challenges around the investigation of sexual offences and we are committed to working together to ensure the best possible outcomes for all victims."