Sexual assault survivors in England and Wales are speaking out about their experiences in the largest survey of its kind. The survey revealed that many survivors felt their mental health suffered due to the actions or inactions of the police, causing only one in 10 to consider reporting again. However, there have been signs of improvement in the criminal justice system’s handling of rape cases since 2021, with a decrease in mental health damage reported by victims post-July of that year.
While some progress has been made, there is still work to be done to ensure all survivors receive the support they need. Operation Soteria, a new approach focusing on perpetrators rather than victims, has shown promising results in increasing charges for sexual offences and adult rape. However, there are still disparities in experiences between black and minority ethnic survivors and white respondents.
The survey also highlighted the importance of empathy, kindness, and dignity in the treatment of survivors by law enforcement. Victims expressed that stopping perpetrators and preventing future assaults were more important to them than securing convictions. This shift in focus reflects a broader movement towards prioritizing the well-being and recovery of survivors.
Calls have been made for continued funding for Operation Soteria beyond March 2025 to sustain the progress that has been made. The government has yet to announce funding allocations for policing and victim support services for the coming years. Minister Jess Phillips emphasized the need for lasting improvements in policing to combat violence against women and girls.
Overall, the survey results underscore the need for ongoing efforts to support and empower sexual assault survivors in their journey towards healing and justice. Through a victim-centered approach and continued investment in resources and support services, progress can be made in addressing the systemic issues that have long plagued the criminal justice system’s response to sexual assault cases.