SEX attacks have reached a record high for Worcester during lockdown with close to 1,000 reports in a year.

Office for National Statistics (ONS) figures show West Mercia Police recorded 954 sexual offences in South Worcester in the year to March (2021/22) – up from 707 last year and the highest number since records began in 2003.

The number of sexual offences reported to the force has increased significantly since that year, when eight crimes were logged.

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A senior detective from West Mercia Police says sexual offences increased during lockdown but some of the increased reporting reflects people's confidence incidents will be investigated and that support will be offered to complainants.

Detective Chief Inspector Emma Whitworth, West Mercia Police’s lead for rape and serious sexual offences, said: “I want to make it absolutely clear that crimes of this nature have no place in our society, and we are committed to thoroughly investigating any report of sexual offences.

“This is the first year without lockdown restrictions since the beginning of the pandemic, so it’s not unsurprising to see an increase in the number of offences now being reported. We also believe that some of the increase reflects people’s confidence in West Mercia Police to deal with these incidents, and provide ongoing support and care to victims.

“We have robust multi-agency processes in place to manage and monitor sex offenders with a dedicated team working with partners to prevent reoffending. Supervisory support within the team has recently been increased to further strengthen these processes.

“Additionally, we have specially trained officers who work on rape and serious sexual offence cases, and work closely with the Crown Prosecution Service on the Rape and Serious Sexual Offences Joint National Action Plan and further partners across Worcestershire, Herefordshire and Shropshire to ensure survivors receive the justice they deserve.”

Across England and Wales, 194,683 sexual offences were reported in 2021-22 – a 32 per cent increase on the year prior and also a record high.

Reported sexual offences have increased more than three-fold in the last decade, though the impact of high-profile cases and campaigns on victims’ willingness to report incidents is a factor, the ONS said.

Rape Crisis warned the number of recorded rape offences does not tell the entire story as victims and survivors fear they won’t be believed or taken seriously, and know that they are "highly unlikely" to ever see someone charged.

Recorded stalking and harassment offences also rose by 15 per cent in the last year, from 630,000 to 720,000. 

Of these, 3,252 were reported in South Worcester – up from 2,703 in 2020-21.

How to get support

Further information on the various ways report rape and sexual assault can be reported to West Mercia Police can be found by visiting www.westmercia.police.uk/advice/advice-and-information/rsa/rape-and-sexual-assault/how-to-report-rape-and-sexual-assault/.

If you’ve been affected by rape or sexual assault then help is available, regardless of how long ago it happened and whether or not you have reported it to the police.

The organisations below can offer specialist support

 Herefordshire and Worcestershire: The Glade- 0808 178 2058 offers a full range of services as well as advice on how to self-refer. The self-referral line is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year where your call will be answered by a specially trained crisis worker.

Further information is available on their website www.theglade.org.uk Shropshire: Axis support- 01743 243007 or via email isva@axiscounselling.org.uk. There is further advice and support on their website www.axiscounselling.org.uk