Rising Reports of Sexual Violence in Cambridgeshire Highlight Importance of Support
Police urge victims to come forward as cases rise by 13%
Police in Cambridgeshire say encouraging victims of sexual violence to trust them and report offences remains one of their biggest challenges, as new figures reveal a 13% increase in cases.
More than three thousand reports were made between September twenty twenty-four and September twenty twenty-five.
Detective Inspector Dave Taylor from Cambridgeshire Police says he understands how difficult it can be for victims to come forward.
“Part of that is to make sure that we are providing that reassurance to people, that you will be taken seriously and you can expect a proper professional investigation from us,” he said.
The force is working closely with health services and local authorities to create a joined up approach, supporting those who may be reluctant to contact police.
“There will always be some people that don't trust the police or don't want to come to the police, and I'd hope that they would, but if they don't, charities such as rape crisis can provide that support, counselling, as well,” added Mr Taylor.
He also explained that a rise in reporting can sometimes reflect greater confidence in the police, but the long-term aim remains to reduce offences.
“We'd like to see those numbers come down through dealing with investigations as they come through to us, through the criminal justice system, and hopefully then see a reduction in crime,” he said.