Data from the Office for National Statistics has shown a significant increase in the number of sexual assault offences in Greater Manchester over the last five years.
New figures show that from 2018 to 2023 so far, the sexual assault crime rate in Greater Manchester has reached a record high.
The ONS statistics show that for Greater Manchester 11,827 sexual offences have been recorded over the course of this year up to September.
This, in comparison to 2018’s total of 9656, shows a clear increase in offences over the past five years.
This data should be observed with caution as the statistics for crime in Greater Manchester 2019 were lost, meaning that the year cannot be accounted for.
Charity Victim Support told Manchester World that “the rise in sexual offences comes as victims’ faith in the criminal justice system is failing”.
In this statement they also urged the police to “do better and start delivering justice”.
However, alongside the rising crime rate, the number of arrests has increased as well.
Greater Manchester Police has said that between March 2022 and March 2023, 3050 arrests were made in connection with rape and sexual offences – which is a 33% increase on previous years.
The charges and summons made for these crimes have also taken a 24% increase, and to help prevent these crimes GMP has increased the use of Domestic Violence Protection Notices by over three quarters in the last 12 months. This data was last updated in April of this year.
In a statement, Detective Chief Superintendent Michaela Kerr, Head of Public Protection, said: “To anyone who is suffering or has suffered at the hands of a perpetrator of a sex offender please let this reassure you that GMP Will take you seriously.”
Sexual offences are not the only crime on the rise for Greater Manchester though as further data shows an increase in crime overall for the area.
In 2018 a total of 334,976 crimes were recorded by the ONS and 369,853 crimes have been recorded, up until September 2023.
This shows an increase of 34,877 recorded crimes over the last five years.
This specific data shows that numbers have increased post pandemic and even exceeded the amount recorded pre pandemic.
There are many charities and support lines based in Greater Manchester to help those affected by sexual assault and offences.
This includes We are Survivors: https://www.wearesurvivors.org.uk/
Manchester Rape Crisis: https://www.manchesterrapecrisis.co.uk/
And St Mary’s Sexual Assault Referral Centre: https://www.stmaryscentre.org/
