DORSET Police have spoken out after it was revealed a small percentage of rape investigations result in a charge.

Figures show in the past 12 months, the regional forces’ charging rate for rape offences is 5.8 per cent.

Detective superintendent Neil Wright, Dorset Police's Vulnerability and VAWG (Violence Against Woman and Girls) lead, said: "Dorset Police takes reports of rape and other sexual offences extremely seriously and remains committed to doing all it can to ensure offences are thoroughly investigated, victims are supported through the criminal justice process and offenders are brought to justice.

“We would strongly encourage anyone who has been the victim of a sexual offence to come forward and report it to the Force.

"The Force was one of 14 which undertook a detailed self-assessment of its rape investigation processes and performance and this data, along with that of other forces, informed the academic research undertaken as part of Operation Soteria.

“This research was used to create The Rape and Serious Sexual Offences National Operating Model (RASSO NOM), which Dorset Police and all other forces in England and Wales began to incorporate into their procedures and approach from July 2023.

"Although this is a long-term process, the RASSO NOM is a large part of the improvements that are beginning to be seen.

“We recognise there is still much to do, which is part of our wider commitment to tackling violence against women and girls, and Dorset Police continues to work in partnership with the Crown Prosecution Service and with local partners to bring about continued improvements.

"We are committed to providing the highest levels of service to victims of serious sexual offences. There are huge challenges around the investigation of sexual offences and we are committed to working with partners to ensure the best possible outcomes for all victims.

"It is important to recognise that a rape is recorded when a disclosure is made to a third-party individual or professional by a victim, even if they do not want to report the matter themselves to the police.

“As part of our victim-led approach, we have to acknowledge that there are some cases where the victim is not seeking a criminal justice outcome.”