The Office for National Statistics have released new figures for sexual offences in the last year.

Michaela-Clare Addison, National Sexual Violence Lead at Victim Support said:

“These figures are harrowing. The fact that nearly 900,000 people were subjected to sexual offences in the past year alone is a devastating indictment of the scale of sexual violence in our society. Behind every number is a person whose life has been changed forever.

“While the rise in police-recorded sexual offences may reflect new laws and more victims feeling able to report, it does not lessen the urgency of the situation. Reported and recorded statistics only scratch the surface, which is why tackling sexual violence needs to be a priority in the government’s upcoming VAWG strategy, including child sexual abuse and exploitation. Central to this must be a focus on prevention and transforming the criminal justice system to better deliver justice and safety.

“Victim Support is here for every victim-survivor, but right now, many face long waits, fragmented services and a justice system that too often fails to deliver. Independent, confidential support is essential, and without urgent investment in these services, victim-survivors are at risk of being left without the help they need to move forward and seek justice.”