London – Alarming data obtained by the BBC reveals that a rape is reported every hour in London, with over 8,800 incidents reported to the Metropolitan Police in 2023 — an average of 24 cases daily. The findings have sparked urgent calls for reform, as charities warn that the true scale of sexual offending is likely much higher.
Sexual violence reports continue to rise, with a further 11,000 sexual offences reported last year, including sexual assault, assault by penetration, and attempted rape. Nearly a quarter of all victims were under the age of 18.
Mounting Concern Over Systemic Failures
Charities including Rape Crisis, Solace, and Nia have condemned the findings as “horrifying,” emphasizing that the actual figures may represent only a fraction of the problem. Rape Crisis estimates that only one in six women report being raped, while the figure is one in five for male victims. The Metropolitan Police has acknowledged the challenge, stating they are committed to tackling sexual violence and that rape charges have more than doubled since 2022.
Despite the increased number of reports, prosecutions and convictions remain worryingly low. Of the 10,991 reports of rape made in 2023, just 1,419 charges were brought forward. The conviction rate across sexual offence cases over the past five years stands at just 60.6%.
Victims Voice Frustration with Justice Delays
Amy, a survivor of sexual violence who has waived her anonymity, highlighted severe issues with police handling of evidence. After submitting her phone with crucial evidence, it took six months to be returned — without the evidence extracted. “From that moment on, I knew the case was going to be dropped,” Amy said, describing the emotional paralysis that followed.
The impact of delayed justice is not limited to survivors like Amy. According to the latest data, there are over 3,300 rape cases awaiting trial in England and Wales, with an average wait time of 358 days for defendants on bail.
Calls for Reform in Justice System
Experts and advocates argue that the figures reveal only the “tip of the iceberg.” Prof Tirion Havard, of London South Bank University, said the statistics are “depressing” but not surprising, warning that societal stereotypes and entrenched issues within the justice system exacerbate the problem. “Survivors need to be believed and supported,” Prof Havard stressed, adding that many women face a “double victimization” — first through the crime itself, and then through the criminal justice process.
Child Victims at Record Highs
The data also highlights the staggering number of child victims. In 2023, more than 4,300 children reported being sexually assaulted in London, equating to an incident being reported every two hours. Kellie Ann Fitzgerald, assistant director at the National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children (NSPCC), called for urgent government action to fast-track cases involving children, as child sexual offences in London remain at “near-record levels.”
Police Under Scrutiny
The Metropolitan Police has come under intense scrutiny following high-profile cases involving sexual misconduct within its ranks. The most notorious case was the rape and murder of Sarah Everard by a Met officer in 2021, which severely damaged public trust. Since then, further cases involving officers such as David Carrick and Cliff Mitchell — both convicted of multiple sexual offences — have compounded the crisis.
In response, Det Ch Supt Angela Craggs of the Met Police stated, “We are always striving to do better” and emphasized recent investments to improve the process of gathering digital evidence from victims.
London Mayor Sadiq Khan has acknowledged the deep damage to public trust, stating it will “take years” to repair.
As the crisis deepens, victims, charities, and advocates continue to demand systemic change, urging the government and justice system to take stronger action in addressing the growing epidemic of sexual violence.
Key Points:
- Rape Reports Surge: Over 8,800 rape incidents were reported to the Metropolitan Police in 2023, with an average of 24 cases daily, amounting to a rape reported every hour in London.
- Sexual Offences Data: An additional 11,000 sexual offences, including assault by penetration and attempted rape, were reported. Nearly a quarter of victims were under 18 years old.
- Low Prosecution Rates: Despite 10,991 reports of rape in 2023, only 1,419 charges were filed. The conviction rate for sexual offences remains low at 60.6%, raising concerns over justice for victims.
- Calls for Reform: Charities like Rape Crisis, Solace, and NSPCC have called the findings “horrifying,” urging urgent systemic reform and better support for survivors.
- Child Victims at Record Levels: Over 4,300 children reported being sexually assaulted in London in 2023, with child sexual offences remaining close to record levels.
- Victims’ Struggles: Survivors like Amy, who experienced police mishandling of evidence, highlight the trauma of delayed justice and systemic failures within the criminal justice process.
- Met Police Scrutiny: The Metropolitan Police has faced criticism over its handling of sexual offences and high-profile misconduct cases, further eroding public trust.
- Government and Police Response: While the police have invested in improving evidence-gathering procedures, charities insist more must be done to address the growing crisis of sexual violence in the UK.
