There has been a big increase in the number of reported rapes in south Wales.
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THE number of adult rapes reported in the South Wales Police force area has rocketed by more than 100, newly-released figures show.
Data published by Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabularies (HMIC) today show that officers received a reported 315 rape incidents in the 12 months to March this year - an increase of 104 on the previous year, just over 49 per cent. Over the same period the number of recorded child rapes has dropped from 203 to 169.
The figures equates to an average of 30 recorded adult rapes per 100,000 adults across the force area, an increase on last year's average of 20.
The force said the figures show more victims have the confidence to come forward and report incidents to the police.
"South Wales Police is working extremely hard, along with our partners, to raise awareness and encourage victims to have confidence in our ability to support them and investigate rapes and sexual assaults."
South Wales Police has a 16 per cent success rate of a realistic chance of conviction, compared to the England and Wales average of 12 per cent. This is the third year running South Wales has finished in the top ten of the overall table of all 42 forces.
The number of recorded child rapes has dropped from 203 to 169, with South Wales Police securing a 26 per cent success rate in terms of a realistic chance of conviction. This compares to the England and Wales average of 23 per cent.
Chief superintendent Davies said: "Our position remains the same, we are determined that the voice of the victim is always heard and that the most appropriate outcome is achieved for them. These figures suggest that we are continuing to perform well, and that a high proportion of the cases we refer to Crown Prosecution Sservice result in a charge."
The force's deputy commissioner, Sophie, Howe said the force was working hard to provide support for the victims of sexual violence.
She said: "The chief constable and the police and crime commissioner have taken a joint approach through the Tackling Violence Against Women and Girls Action Plan, which aims to increase reporting and today's figures clearly show that approach is working.
"There is has been a lot of very successful joint partnership working in the areas of health, local government and third sector and everything is aimed at providing appropriate support for victims as well as preventing sexual violence the first place.
"We will continue to work hard to ensure victims get the best possible response and urge anyone who has experienced sexual violence to come forward, we will listen to you and help you."
Read more: http://www.southwales-eveningpost.co.uk/Reported-rape-cases-100-year/story-28116362-detail/story.html#ixzz3qe1nJ3pS
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