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# Less than 2% of rape cases in Suffolk led to charges last year
- URL: https://www.ipswich.co.uk/less-than-2-of-rape-cases-in-suffolk-led-to-charges-last-year/
- Published: 2024-08-05T11:16:43.000Z
- Updated: 2026-03-16T15:38:26.000Z
- Description: Only 17 out of 885 rape offences recorded by Suffolk Constabulary resulted in charges or court summons in the year to March 2024, new figures reveal.
- Author: Oliver Rouane-Williams
- Tags: News, Crime, #article, Suffolk Constabulary, #Import 2026-03-16 14:46

**The big picture:** This 1.9% charge rate for rape cases is significantly lower than the force's overall 9.1% charge rate across all offences. It also falls below the national average of 2.6% for rape cases.

**Why it matters:** The low charge rate raises concerns about justice for rape survivors and the effectiveness of the criminal justice system in handling these cases.

**By the numbers:**

- 885 rape offences recorded in Suffolk
- 17 resulted in charges or court summons (1.9%)
- 24.1% of cases were still under investigation as of March
- 38.5% were closed due to evidential difficulties where the victim did not support further action

**What they're saying:** Ciara Bergman, chief executive of Rape Crisis, said:

"Those survivors who take the brave steps to report rape and sexual assault do so with the expectation that there will be accountability for the perpetrator. That just 2.6% of adult rape investigations result in a charge or summons is unacceptable. With so many survivors being denied their opportunity to seek criminal justice, it's clear that the system isn't working. But we need more than a level of commitment; we need to see drastic improvements."

A government spokesperson responded:

"In far too many cases, rape victims aren't getting the justice they deserve. It is important that police and prosecutors work together in a timely way to build the strongest possible case. We have committed to fast-tracking rape cases and are carefully considering the best way to do this. We are working with the judiciary and will announce next steps in due course."

**Zoom out:** Rape cases took an average of 423 days to investigate nationally, significantly longer than other offences:

- 55 days for violence against the person
- 28 days for theft offences

**The bottom line:** While charging rates for rape cases have increased nationally, experts stress the need for both improved prosecution rates and better access to specialist support services for survivors.

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