The good news, according to Thames Valley Police statistics, is the incidence of non-rape sexual offences has fallen since a peak in the two years, 2021-22 and 2022-23. However comparing the most recent year for which we have figures, with 2020-21, we find a 47% increase.

Reported rapes showed a similar pattern, with a sharp increase between 2020-21 to 2021-22, and then a fallback. But the numbers have been increasing since 2022-23 (25%). The rise since 2020-21 is 48%, very similar to the non-rape increase.

These figures are bad enough. Every single one of the offences recorded corresponds to a horrific ordeal a woman has had to endure. But what makes them even worse, is the clear-up rate. Against each of the ‘recorded number of offences’ figures, Thames Valley Police also record ‘Positive Outcomes’. I can’t see what the positive outcome of a rape or a sexual assault is, but presumably they mean a successful conviction.

In 2024-25 217 non-rape sexual offences were recorded. There were 23 “positive outcomes” or successful prosecutions. That means 194 of the 217 sexual predators escaped justice. The prosecution rate is 11%. 89% of non-rape sexual assaults go unpunished.

In the same year, 130 rapes were recorded. There were 10 “positive outcomes”. So 120 of 130 sexual predators escaped justice. The prosecution rate is 7%.

The Thames Valley Police have essentially decriminalised rape.

When we get into power Reform UK will change this.