Surrey sexual abuse charity say low charge rates by police have devastating consequences for survivors
The RASASC say this is having an impact on survivors reporting crime
A Surrey charity is coming forward, concerned for the welfare of survivors of sexual crimes, due to low charge rates for these offences.
Surrey Police currently have a 6.2% charge rate for rape; it's 7.1% for serious sexual offences.
Daisy Anderson, the CEO of the Rape and Sexual Abuse Centre in Guildford said:
"If the investigation does not progress and there isn't a charge, the result can be devastating for that survivor because the implication is that they're not believed or their isn't enough evidence to prove what they're saying is true.
"This can be really, really difficult and the fear of that does impact the decision to disclose an offence.
"This is something we hear a lot - that people feel disbelieved.
"If people come to us, we will always believe you."
"One of the other things survivors have to deal with is the time frame of reporting offences.
"It does take a huge toll, it can take 18 months to make a decision to charge, another 18 months to get to court - which is often put back.
"Someone can be in the middle of A levels when they make a disclosure and at the end of university when it goes to court, and they may get a not-guilty verdict."
Chief Constable Tim De Meyer said on his 2024 aims:
"Surrey's recent record in respect of charging offenders is not where we wish it to be.
"We want to ensure we are bringing many more criminals to justice in particular the crime types of violence against women and girls, rape and sexual offences and shop lifting."