Just one in every 24 rape cases reported in Dyfed and Powys end with a suspect being charged, new figures show.

The rate is significantly lower than for crime overall in the area, with sexual violence charity Rape Crisis saying that the justice system is “failing victims and survivors of rape”.

Between April and June this year, 72 rape cases were closed by Dyfed-Powys Police. Of those, just three resulted in a suspect being charged or ordered to appear in court.

Charges were less likely for rape than other sexual offences in Dyfed and Powys, for which 12 per cent of the 156 cases reported resulted in a suspect being charged.

For other cases of violence against the person, 16 per cent resulted in a charge.

In nearly 60 per cent of rape reports, the case was closed because of lack of evidence, with the victim unwilling to support further police action.

Across England and Wales, a suspect was charged in four per cent of rape cases and eight per cent of other sexual offences.

Detective Superintendent Anthony Griffiths said: “Dyfed-Powys Police’s conviction rate for rape and sexual offences remains higher than the national average.*

“We take all reports of a sexual nature seriously, and ensure victims of these crimes receive the support they need.

“I can offer reassurance that we will continue to deal robustly with such crimes, particularly those committed against the most vulnerable people in our communities.

“To ensure that we improve our investigations, all serious sexual offence cases are jointly reviewed with the Crown Prosecution Service and partner agencies on a regular basis.

“This is a honest and productive relationship whereby key feedback from all court cases is discussed. The aim is to improve service to victims, witnesses and the public in all serious crime investigations.”

Dyfed-Powys Police has encouraged any victims of sexual offences to have the confidence to come forward and report the offence.

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