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Why have rape prosecutions fallen to lowest levels since records began

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Created on
15 September 2020

Rape prosecutions have fallen to their lowest levels since records began with only 2,102 prosecutions in 2019-20. These figures represent a 59 per cent decline since 2016-17. [1]

Only 439 of the 2,102 prosecutions resulted in convictions in England and Wales in 2019-20.

The average time for a report of rape to be charged is 395 days, the longest of any crime type.

Tomorrow, the London Assembly Police & Crime Committee will discuss why rape prosecutions are declining across the capital. Other topics to be discussed include:

  • Unlicensed Music Events and protests
  • Antisocial behaviour
  • Violent crime
  • Use of tasers

The guests are:

  • Sir Stephen House QPM, Deputy Commissioner, Metropolitan Police
  • Sophie Linden, Deputy Mayor for Policing and Crime
  • Claire Waxman, Victims’ Commissioner for London
  • Lisa Ramsarran, Deputy Chief Crown Prosecutor for London North

The meeting will take place on Wednesday, 16 September 2020 from 10:00am. In line with Government advice, these meetings will take place in a hybrid format, it will take place virtually, but with some Members attending in person.



Media and members of the public can watch the meeting live here.

Notes to editors

  1. https://www.cps.gov.uk/publication/cps-data-summary-quarter-4-2019-2020
  2. Full agenda papers.
  3. Unmesh Desai AM, Chair of the Police & Crime Committee is available for interview. 
  4. Find out more about the work of the Police & Crime Committee.
  5. As well as investigating issues that matter to Londoners, the London Assembly acts as a check and a balance on the Mayor.

For more details, please contact Aoife Nolan in the Assembly Media Office on 020 7983 4067.  For out of hours media enquiries please call 020 7983 4000 and ask for the Assembly duty press officer.  Non-media enquiries should be directed to the Public Liaison Unit, Greater London Authority, on 020 7983 4100.

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