‘We need to understand how much of this crime is happening.’

The reporting of rape and other sexual offences by victims has always been low.

Feelings of embarrassment and a lack of confidence in the criminal justice system combine to keep victims silent.

A leading police officer has, however, said this must change.

Deputy Assistant Commissioner Martin Hewitt, the Association of Chief Police Officers national lead for adult sexual offences,believes victims of rape must be encouraged to report attacks.

In a statement, Hewitt emphasised the importance of ensuring that victims are aware that the offence will be thoroughly investigated and that there is support available.

The police chief did, however, say that victims must be made aware of the difficulties there are in securing convictions.

“We need to be honest about the challenges that are faced in investigating and prosecuting rape,” he said, and added that despite the conviction rate being at an “all-time high”, a third of rape prosecutions do not result in a conviction.

“A lot of people feel that they will be questioned or they will be seen as being culpable.

“So the message that I want to give is you will be listened to, you will be believed, and that it is really important for people to report these offences so we understand how much of this crime is happening,” he said.

Hewitt also made it clear that reporting was essential as it not only triggered a full investigation into the offence, but it also meant that victims were offered access to medical treatment and support services to help them deal with their experience.

Debate on the issue, Hewitt continued, was “far too often” restricted to investigation and prosecution and called for a “challenging debate about prevention as well”.

“Most rape involves the coming together of some form of power and some type of vulnerability; either permanent or temporary,” he said.

“We need to be utilising all our powers and tactics to understand how this happens, to mitigate the vulnerability and reduce the opportunities for that power to be abused.”

Reporting of sexual offences has risen by 9 per cent this year, the largest increase since current records began.

Talking about reporting rape, Jordan Hart, a rape survivor whose attacker was convicted and sentenced to eleven years in prison, said: “Reporting to the police gave me peace of mind, knowing I hadn’t been beaten by him.

“I was supported by my SOIT (Sexual Offence Investigative Techniques) officer who gave me advice, guidance, explained what was going to happen and how long it would take.

“I didn’t do anything alone.”

In an effort to boost reporting, the CPS has created a number of specialist units across the UK dedicated to dealing with cases of rape and other sexual offences.

The Director of Public Prosecutions, Alison Saunders, said: “These units are staffed by trained prosecutors with expertise in handling rape cases, including detailed understanding of the psychological effects of sexual violence, how to challenge the associated myths and stereotypes and, importantly, ensuring victims are given the support they deserve.”

Police forces throughout the UK ran campaigns highlighting how they deal with rape and sexual offences, the support available to victims and the realities of the judicial system.

This is part of a series of  spotlights on different issues for a week each month, including alcohol harm, domestic abuse and cyber crime.