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Less than 2% of rape cases in Suffolk led to charges last year

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Ipswich's only independent news website

We publish the stories that matter and champion everything that's good about our town – without the ads, popups or tracking

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.

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.

Oliver Rouane-Williams speaking with an elderly couple in the town centre

We can't do this without you!

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Queues as London Road down to one lane for street light repairs

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Ipswich.co.uk Logomark in a circle

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We publish the stories that matter and champion everything that's good about our town – without the ads, popups or tracking

Drivers face delays on London Road in Ipswich as street light repairs force a lane closure between Lidl and West End Road until tomorrow.

Why it matters: The works, which are scheduled to finish tomorrow, have reduced traffic to one lane, causing traffic to build up from Civic Drive roundabout and along Handford Road and London Road outbound towards the A12.

Roadworks on London Road, Ipswich
Roadworks on London Road, IpswichOliver Rouane-WilliamsIpswich.co.uk

The big picture: The lane closure is in place for minor street light repairs, causing:

  • Single-lane operation between Lidl and West End Road

  • Slow-moving traffic heading out of town

  • Bus stop suspension outside Lidl

  • Long queues, particularly during peak times

The impact: Delays have been reported throughout the day, with longer waiting times expected during busy periods.

Bottom line: While the repairs are minor, the lane closure on this key route out of Ipswich is causing significant delays for drivers heading towards the A12. Allow extra time when travelling, especially during peak times.

Oliver Rouane-Williams speaking with an elderly couple in the town centre

We can't do this without you!

If you value strong, free, independent local media that fights tirelessly for our town, please consider contributing just ÂŁ24 per year

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