A shockingly low number of rape cases reported to Sussex Police ever reach trial.
The issue was raised by Lewes MP James MacCleary, highlighting that just three per cent of reported rape cases in Sussex make it to court, with only 53 per cent of those resulting in conviction – 10 per cent below the already low national average.
Mr MacCleary put the question directly to Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood, asking what steps are being taken to improve the situation.
Mr MacCleary said: "Sussex is in the grip of a crisis of violence against women and girls.
"In the county, only three per cent of reported rape cases ever make it to trial, and of the few who ever get their day in court after distressing delays, just 53 per cent see a conviction.
"That is 10 per cent below the national average.
"It is therefore no surprise that so many women in the county have so little faith that their abusers will ever face justice."
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He also asked for an update on Operation Soteria, the national programme launched in 2021 to improve how rape and other serious sexual offences are investigated and prosecuted.
Mr MacCleary said: "Operation Soteria was launched in 2021 to overhaul the way in which rape and other serious sexual offences are investigated and prosecuted, but there appears to be little progress in Sussex.
"Can the Minister update the House on the progress of Operation Soteria, and set out what action she is taking to improve the investigation and prosecution of rape cases in Sussex?"
Ms Mahmood responded by reaffirming the government’s commitment to halving violence against women and girls within a decade.
She told Mr MacCleary a meeting would be set up with the Minister for Policing and Crime.
Ms Mahmood said: "I am happy to arrange a meeting for the hon. Gentleman with the Minister for Policing and Crime, my hon. Friend the Member for Croydon West (Sarah Jones), to discuss the specific issues in Sussex."
She also noted government investment of £53 million to tackle the highest harm perpetrators and have protected more than 1,000 victims through domestic abuse and protection orders.
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