## Violence Against Women And Girls Crime Report Contents

 
Foreword by the Director of Public Prosecutions 
1–2 10 years at a glance 
3 Violence against Women and Girls Crime report 
4–19 
VAWG subset 
5 
Domestic abuse 
5 
Stalking and harassment 
7 
Rape 
8 
Sexual offences (excluding rape) 
11 
So-called 'honour-based' violence, forced marriage, and female genital mutilation 
12 
Child abuse 
14 
Human trafficking and modern slavery 
15 
Prostitution 
16 
Pornography and obscenity 
17 
 
Violence against Women and Girls data report 
A1–A43 
The VAWG data report provides detailed data analysis on each of the VAWG strands. 
 
Annex 1  
Prosecutions by CPS Area and police force area  
B1–B8 
Annex 1 provides detailed data by CPS Area and police force areas on domestic abuse, rape and sexual offences. Annex 2 
Ministry of Justice data on stalking, harassment, restraining orders 
B9–B12 
 
 
and Rape National Statistics 
Annex 2 provides the MoJ data on stalking, harassment, restraining orders and Rape National Statistics to 
contextualise CPS data. Glossaries  
Glossary of terms and acronyms 
B13–B21 
The Glossaries provide definitions of terms used within the report and acronyms. 
 

## Foreword By The Director Of Public Prosecutions

This is the tenth year of our publication of an annual Violence against Women and Girls (VAWG) crime report. We are committed to publishing the analysis and assessment of our performance each year, to assist in improving the effectiveness of our VAWG prosecutions. Over this ten year period VAWG convictions have risen from 51,974 to 84,565 - a 63% rise. We have worked in partnership across the Criminal Justice System, and with our stakeholders, to encourage victims to report these crimes and prosecutions of domestic abuse, rape and sexual offences now account for one in five of the CPS' total caseload. In 2007–08, prosecutions related to VAWG accounted for 7.1% of the CPS's total caseload; in 2016-17, this rose to 19.3% In 2016–17, tackling VAWG continued to be a priority for the CPS. We prosecuted and convicted more defendants for sexual offences (including rape and child sexual abuse) than ever before. More than 
13,500 defendants were convicted - 1,670 (14%) 
more than in the previous year and more than a third of these convictions were for sexual abuse of children. For the first time the data on the age of rape victims is robust enough to publish, indicating that more than half of victims are under 24 
years of age, and nearly one in five aged 14–17 years. We are addressing the targeting of young people through our work on child sexual abuse, as well as making use of new offences to deal with the increase in the extreme nature of sexual abuse, such as 'possession of extreme pornographic images portraying rape', the streaming of indecent images of children and the 'possession of a paedophile manual'.  
 
The volume of rape defendants prosecuted and convicted following an initial allegation of rape reached the highest level ever, with a steady conviction rate. In the coming year we are committed to contributing to a cross-government 'Deep Dive' exercise to identify ways to further reduce attrition rates in cases of serious sexual offences. Specifically within the CPS we aim to further improve performance through revised guidance and training, for both prosecutors and advocates. We are developing training on acquaintance rape involving intoxicated individuals as well as a psychological evidence toolkit for prosecutors Our prosecution of cases involving social media has increased, not only for sexual offences but also for domestic abuse, stalking and harassment. We prosecuted more than 460 offences of disclosing private images without consent (so-called 'revenge pornography'). There have been prosecutions of more than 300 offences of coercive and controlling behaviour, since the law was introduced last year, with many involving control of victims through the internet, tracking software and social media platforms. We have also prosecuted a higher proportion of domestic abuse-related offences of indecent or grossly offensive communications. 

During the year we met with groups supporting male victims of crimes identified as 'VAWG' offending and published a public statement on CPS support for men and boys - part of our overall strategic approach to secure justice for all. We outlined our commitments to update our legal guidance, training and case studies for prosecutors to include details of the experience of male victims, as well as help challenge myths and stereotypes and provide details of specific support services available for men. In 2016–17 we recognised that the overall volume of domestic abuse prosecutions had fallen from 
100,930 in the previous year to 93,590, following fewer cases being referred by the police. We are working closely with our police colleagues, locally and nationally, to ensure that we address the fall in volume and take forward appropriate cases. We have raised the issue through the Ministerial Domestic Abuse Working Group, Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary and the Home Office National Oversight Group to ensure it is addressed at the highest level. By the end of the year the conviction rate rose to 75.7%. We are also working more widely across the Criminal Justice System in developing a domestic abuse best practice model for use in all courts and will provide further training to all of our prosecutors in 2017–18. I would like to thank stakeholders in our VAWG External Consultation Group and the Community Accountability Forum who have continued to provide their national support and expert advice during 
2016–17. In addition, thanks to our dedicated Area VAWG Coordinators, staff in our Rape and Serious Sexual Offence Units and all CPS staff who deal with these cases, as well as the organisations that have supported our local scrutiny panels. As ever, there is still more to be done in the coming year. We will continue to build on our achievements, implementing changes from the lessons we have learned and working with our partners to ensure an even better service for the victims of these crimes and our society as a whole. 

 

 
Alison Saunders CB 
 
Director of Public Prosecutions 
 
November 2017 

 

 

## 10 Years At A Glance

In 2007-08, VAWG crimes accounted for 7.1% of the CPS' 
total caseload. In 2016-17, this rose to 19.3%; now almost one in five cases are VAWG related. 

In 2016-17 there were 5,715 more convictions for sexual offences including rape and child sexual abuse than in 
2007-08. A 71.5% increase over 10 years. 

This year there were 26,876 more convictions for domestic abuse related offences than 2007-08. 

## Violence Against Women And Girls Crime Report

 
The Violence against Women and Girls (VAWG) report for 2016–17 is the tenth edition published by the CPS. It is an analysis of the key prosecution issues in each VAWG strand - domestic abuse (DA), stalking, harassment, rape1, sexual offences, forced marriage, so-called 'honour-based' violence, female genital mutilation, child abuse, human trafficking for sexual exploitation, prostitution and pornography. VAWG work continued to be a key priority within the CPS National and Area business plans in 2016–
17. In line with the four pillars of the overall CPS Business Plan, we focus on: success of our people; continuing improvement; high quality casework and public confidence. 

 
The CPS VAWG strategy is part of the overarching cross-government VAWG strategic framework, based on the United Nations conventions that the UK has signed and ratified. The report provides an assessment of prosecution performance on crimes that have been grouped together under the heading 'VAWG', as they have been identified as being committed primarily, but not exclusively, by men against women within a pattern of coercion, power or control. However, these offences can also be targeted at men and boys and, in 2017, a public statement was published on our approach and support for male victims. The linked VAWG data report includes total data on all perpetrators and victims, irrespective of gender. It outlines further information on gender and explains the overall VAWG approach.2 This report provides key data, commentary and case studies in separate sections for each of the VAWG strands.  
 
Please note that the data details and analysis are provided in the VAWG data report. This data report also provides further details on CPS activity and next steps. 

                                                 
1A 'rape' flag is applied to CPS files from the start of a case, following an initial allegation of rape. This flag will remain in place even if the decision is taken to charge an offence other than rape, or where a rape charge is subsequently amended.  
2This report provides outcomes by defendant and cannot provide separate information on outcomes based on victims or offences. To that end, data cannot be provided separately for the outcome of cases faced by female and male victims; nor is it possible to correlate the gender of the defendant with the gender of the victim. 

 
  
 

## Vawg Subset

 
Please link to page A4 of the data report for detailed data and analysis 
 
The 'VAWG subset' specifically groups together DA, rape and sexual offences. It is recognised that there will be some overlap of flagged data3 for DA, rape and sexual offences, but this is not significant in volume. 

Prosecutions of DA, rape4 and sexual offences now account for almost one in five of the CPS' total caseload, up from 7.1% in 2007–08. Over the ten year period, since the first VAWG report, there has also been a 63% rise in convictions. Similar to previous years, the majority of prosecutions of crimes grouped under VAWG, for performance management purposes, are DA at 83.4%, rape at 4.6%, with a rise in the proportion of sexual offences, excluding rape, at 12.0%. In 2016–17, the slight fall in VAWG volumes prosecuted and convicted was due, primarily, to a fall in police referrals of DA defendants. The fall in referrals was identified at the end of 2015–16 and impacted on CPS cases progressing to prosecution during 
2016–17. Actions to address this are outlined in the DA section.  
 

- 
Between 2007–08 and 2016–17, conviction volumes have risen from 51,974 to 84,565 - a rise 
of 32,591 convictions - a 63% rise over this ten year period.  
 
- 
In 2016–17 the volume of 'VAWG'5 referrals from the police fell from 124,737 in 2015–16, the 
highest volume recorded, to 117,444 in 2016–17 - a fall of 7,293 referrals (5.8%). 
 
- 
The volume of 'VAWG' crime prosecutions completed6 fell from 117,568 in 2015–16, the 
highest volume recorded, to 112,270 in 2016–17 - a fall of 5,298 defendants (4.5%).  
 
- 
The volume of convictions fell from 87,275 in 2015–16, the highest volume recorded, to 
84,565 in 2016–17 - a fall of 2,710 convictions (3.1%). The conviction rate increased from 
74.2% to 75.3%.  
 Further information on VAWG issues and detailed data analysis is provided in the data report pages A1–A6 
 
Domestic abuse 
 
For detailed domestic abuse (DA) data and analysis please link to the DA section of the data report pages A7–A12 
 
In 2016–17 a DA 'Deep Dive' exercise developed and tested a best practice framework for use across all Magistrates' Courts. The National Criminal Justice Board will evaluate outcomes in 2017–18 to consider rolling out nationally, with a revision of the Specialist DA Court resource manual.  

Two new mandatory DA e-learning modules on evidence-led prosecutions and controlling or coercive behaviour were developed in 2016–17 for all prosecutors in 2017–18. The fall in police referrals of DA, identified at the end of 2015–16, has had an impact on the volumes of prosecutions and convictions in 2016–17. We have worked closely with the National Police Lead on DA and Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary to identify the reasons for the fall and are addressing ways to ensure referrals are made appropriately. We are sharing our learning with the police on offences related to coercion or control and are providing them with an aide memoire based on our DA e-learning modules. In addition, we have raised the issue through the Ministerial Level DA Working Group and the Home Office National DA Oversight Group to ensure it is addressed at the highest level. Details are outlined in the DA data section (link below). The CPS will work with other government departments in 2017–18 in the development of the Domestic Violence and Abuse Bill to bring more perpetrators to justice as well as further protect victims of abuse. 

The DA 'Deep Dive' exercise is assessing the use of police body worn videos to provide effective evidence to help prosecutions. The daughter of a victim rang the police when her mother was stabbed by her father. When the police arrived at the scene the victim was in the street and refused to engage with the police and made no statement. The daughter also refused to make a statement. Other family members present refused to comment. At the scene the defendant made two significant comments "I stabbed her" and "I didn't wanna kill her but she provoked me." The second comment was captured on body worn video. He had blood on his clothes and hands and there was a blood stained knife found at the scene. The defendant was interviewed and made no comment. The case was prosecuted entirely on the basis of circumstantial evidence. The 999 recording was subject to a hearsay application. The body worn video was evidenced, including the admission. In addition medical statements and forensic evidence were used. The defendant initially pleaded not guilty but changed his plea at the pre-trial review. He was sentenced to 9.5 years' imprisonment. 

 

 
- 
Between 2007-08 and 2016–17, conviction volumes have risen from 43,977 to 70,853 - a rise 
of 26,876 convictions - a 61% rise over this ten year period.  
 
- 
In 2016–17, the volume of DA referrals from the police fell from 117,882 in 2015–16 to 
110,833 - a fall of 7,049 referrals (6.0%), with a corresponding fall of 3.3% in suspects 
charged. 
 
- 
The volume of DA prosecutions completed fell from 100,930 in 2015–16 to 93,590 in 2016–
17 - a fall of 7,340 defendants (7.3%).  
 
- 
The volume of convictions fell from 75,235 in 2015–16 to 70,853 in 2016–17 - a fall of 4,382 
convictions (5.8%). The conviction rate increased from 74.5% in 2015–16 to 75.7%, the highest rate ever recorded.  
 
- 
Since the introduction of the offence of controlling or coercive behaviour 309 offences have 
been charged and reached a first hearing. 
 
Link to the DA section of the data report pages A7–A12 for details of CPS activity, next steps and detailed data analysis 

 
The following case is an example of the cases we are now prosecuting under the Controlling or Coercive behaviour offence. A defendant was sentenced to 20 months' imprisonment and an indefinite restraining order after pleading guilty to an offence of controlling or coercive behaviour which included violence. The victim attended court for the sentence with the specialist support of an Independent Domestic Violence Advisor and provided a strong Victim Personal Statement. She had been in a relationship with the defendant for three years, during which he controlled her, demanding money for alcohol, gambling and for another woman. He called her names, including 'fat' and 'unattractive' as well as racial slurs. He tracked her phone, insisted on her sending pictures to prove where she was and show her location on messaging services. He assaulted her and demanded sex. 

 
 
Stalking and harassment7 For detailed stalking and harassment data and analysis please link to the stalking and harassment section of the data report pages A13–A15 
Ministry of Justice data is provided in Annex 2 pages B9–B10 CPS social media guidelines were published in October 2016 containing a section on stalking. The CPS 
stalking and harassment working group revised training for prosecutors for implementation in 2017-18. 

Overall there was a fall in stalking and harassment prosecutions and a rise in prosecution of breaches of restraining orders. In response to Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Police/Her Majesty's Crown Prosecution Service Inspectorate (HMIC/HMCPSI) thematic inspection of stalking and harassment, in 
2017–18 we will revise our joint police/CPS stalking protocol, update our legal guidance on restraining orders and acceptance of pleas. We will also ensure training is undertaken by all prosecutors.  

- 
Prosecutions were commenced for 11,889 stalking and harassment offences in 2016–17; this 
was a fall of 1,097 offences (8.4%) from 2015–16 when 12,986 prosecutions were 
commenced. 71.0% were DA-related, a slight rise from 69.9% in 2015–16. 
- 
There were 959 prosecutions commenced under the newer stalking offences (a fall from 
1,102 in 2015–16). Of these 64.8% were DA-related, a fall from 67.6% in 2015–16.  
 
- 
16,614 prosecutions commenced for breaches of restraining order offences, a rise of 8.0% from 15,384 in 2015-6 and the highest ever recorded volume. 86.2% of these were DA-
related, a rise from 85.7% in the previous year. 
- 
6,505 breaches of non-molestation orders started prosecution, compared with 6,672 in the 
previous year, a fall of 2.5%. 94.8% of these were DA-related, a slight rise from 93.6% in 
2015–16. 
 
Link to the Stalking and Harassment section of the data report pages A13–A15 for details of CPS 
activity, next steps and detailed data analysis 

The following case study illustrated the effective use of s.4A Protection against Harassment Act - stalking involving serious alarm or distress. A police officer was convicted of s.4A Protection against Harassment Act and given a restraining order for stalking a partner, who was also a police officer, causing serious anxiety and distress. The defendant pretended that he was being stalked by a fictitious ex-girlfriend. He spun a web of lies designed to destroy the victim's self-confidence and mental well-being. The forensic computer evidence established that the ex-girlfriend did not exist and that the emails from her were, in fact, sent from the defendant's Internet Protocol (IP) address. He sent emails implying that the exgirlfriend had been in the house or had somehow been listening to their conversations. The messages soon took on a sinister, overtly sexual, tone and content with undermining and insulting words about the victim, who became so paranoid and scared that she was frightened to even walk to her car alone. Police were able to trace and obtain statements from two previous girlfriends in Scotland to show that this was repeat behaviour. He was sentenced to 18 months' imprisonment. 

 
 
Rape8 
 
CPS and Ministry of Justice Data Explained  
 
For detailed rape data and analysis please link to the rape section of the data report pages A16–
A22 Ministry of Justice data is provided in Annex 2 pages B11–B12 
The Ministry of Justice provides the official National Statistics9 on rape while CPS data is primarily collected for case management purposes.  
It should be noted that there are important differences as to how rape offences are recorded between the different data systems. These differences include: MoJ data is on a calendar year basis, rather than financial year; data on offenders convicted for rape only includes cases where the final 

conviction was for a specific offence of rape. Cases initially charged as rape resulting in a conviction for an alternative charge such as a serious sexual assault, will be recorded by MoJ for the alternative offence. It is not possible to separately identify such cases in MoJ figures. CPS data below differs, as successful rape prosecutions include not only cases resulting in a conviction for rape, but also cases initially flagged as rape where a conviction was obtained for an alternative or lesser offence. The flag is applied to CPS files from the start of the case following an initial allegation of rape. This flag will remain in place even if the decision is taken to charge an offence other than rape, or where a rape charge is subsequently amended. This is for case management purposes to ensure that the principles of the rape and sexual offence policy are considered throughout the life of all relevant cases. The differences in recording leads to CPS reporting a higher number of prosecutions than recorded in MoJ data. The CPS method of recording has been used consistently in the annual VAWG report. 

Further detail in respect of MoJ data and the differences between the datasets is provided in Annex 
2. 

The table below provides a summary of MoJ10 and CPS data together, for ease of comparison.  
 

|                               | Descriptions used by MoJ:    | Published statistics:    | Descriptions used by CPS:    |
|-------------------------------|------------------------------|--------------------------|------------------------------|
| Cases of Rape:                | MoJ: 2016                    | CPS: 2016–17             | CPS records flagged as rape: |
| Proceeded against             | 3716                         | 5190                     | Prosecutions completed       |
| Convicted for rape            | 1352                         | 2991                     | Conviction for rape, an      |
| alternative or lesser offence |                              |                          |                              |

 Key CPS Issues In 2016–17 a co-ordinated programme of work was implemented by the Police and CPS Joint National Rape Steering Group, led by the Director of Public Prosecutions and National Policing Leads, and supported by a joint Delivery Board. A comprehensive programme of training for specialist lawyers was delivered by all CPS Areas. This led to a rise in the volume of prosecutions and convictions, in cases initially flagged as rape, reaching the highest volumes ever recorded by CPS. There was a slight fall in police referrals and charged defendants which the CPS will continue to monitor in order to assess their appropriateness and address any issues across the criminal justice system. For the first time, the data on the age of victims is robust enough to publish, indicating more than half of victims are under 24 years of age, nearly one in five aged 14-17 years. This information together with the child abuse data, the information on the use social media and prosecution of new offences on pornography helps in our understanding of key emerging prosecution issues, the increase in the extreme nature of sexual abuse and the targeting of young victims. CPS Data 
- 
Between 2007-08 and 2016–17, convictions have risen from 2,021 to 2,991, a rise of 970 
convictions, and the highest volume since records began - a 48% rise over this ten year period.  

- 
In 2016–17, the volume of rape referrals from the police fell from 6,855 in 2015–16 to 6,611 - a 
fall of 244 referrals (3.6%), with a corresponding fall of 6.1% in suspects charged. MoJ do not hold 
data on referrals from the police. 
- 
The completed rape prosecutions rose from 4,643 in 2015–16 to 5,190 in 2016–17 - the highest 
volume ever recorded - a rise of 547 prosecutions (11.8%). 45.0% of rape flagged prosecutions in 2016–17 were perpetrated against child victims. Note MoJ data indicated that 3,716 defendants were proceeded against for a principal offence of rape in 2016 - not the highest volume ever. 
 
- 
The data on the age of rape victims indicates that over 3,000 (52.3%) of rape victims with 
recorded age were under 24 years of age - 24.7% were aged 18-24 years (1,425); 18.3% were 14-
17 years (1,059); 7.5% 10-13 years (435 victims) and 1.8% (103 victims) under ten years old. 
- 
Convictions for rape rose from 2,689 in 2015–16 to 2,991 in 2016–17 - the highest volume ever 
recorded - an increase of 302 convictions (11.2%). The CPS conviction rate stayed steady at 
57.6% in 2016–17, compared with 57.9% in 2015–16. Data from the MoJ shows that 1,352 
offenders were convicted specifically for rape, the highest volume ever.11 12  
 
- 
From CPS data 2016–17, 5,045 (98.9%) of cases initially flagged as rape were finally prosecuted 
for the principal offence categories of 'sexual offences, including rape' or more serious13 principal 
offences of 'homicides' or 'offences against the person'. Of these, 4,240 were for sexual offences 
including rape; 17 for homicide and 788 for offences against the person. 
 
The following case study outlines a domestic abuse rape case where consent was challenged. A defendant forced vaginal sexual intercourse on his partner after an incident of domestic abuse. He bit the victim's upper thigh, tried to strangle her and threatened to tie her up. She stated that she knew he would not let her go unless she submitted to his demands and replied "yes" when he asked if they could have sex. The defendant argued consent. At trial the victim's attendance was secured by way of witness summons, following a retraction statement and she gave evidence to the court that she did not believe that she had been raped as she 'agreed' to have sex with the defendant. Robust prosecution and skilful re-examination of the victim outlined the legal case of rape and consent. The defendant was subsequently convicted of Rape and Actual Bodily Harm. He was sentenced to eight years' imprisonment. 

Link to the Rape section of the data report pages A16–A22 for details of CPS activity, next steps and detailed data analysis 
                                                 
13CPS principal offence category: charged offences are allocated one of twelve offence categories to indicate the type and seriousness of the charges brought against the defendant. The Principal Offence Category indicates the most serious offence with which the defendant is charged at the time of finalisation. The order of 'seriousness' of the top three key principal offences is: homicide; offences against the person; sexual offences.  
 
  

Sexual offences (excluding rape)14 15 For detailed data and analysis of sexual offences (excluding rape) please link to the sexual offences section of the data report pages A23–A25 Special measures were introduced through the Youth Justice and Criminal Evidence Act 1999 to support vulnerable or intimidated victims to give their best evidence. Section 28 allows for crossexamination to happen earlier than the trial-stage helping improve memory recall because evidence is given closer to the time of the offence. It can also be less distressing as victims would not have to give evidence in person at court. 

In 2016-17, following a pilot of Section 28 for children under 16 across three Crown Courts (Liverpool, Leeds and Kingston), the CPS supported other criminal justice agencies to evaluate the pilot's impact and take steps for national rollout. In January 2017, the CPS also supported the pilot being extended to include vulnerable witnesses under 18 and will work to extend it even further for cases involving rape, serious sexual assault and modern slavery.  
In 2016–17 the volume of prosecutions and convictions rose to the highest volumes ever recorded, with the highest conviction rate ever. 

 

- 
Between 2007-08 and 2016–17, conviction volumes have risen from 5,976 to 10,721, a rise of 
4,745 convictions, and the highest volume since records began - a 79% rise over this ten year period. 
 
- 
In 2016–17, the volume of sexual offences' prosecutions completed, excluding rape, rose 
from 11,995 in 2015–16 to 13,490 - a rise of 1,495 defendants (12.5%); reaching the highest volume ever recorded. 37.5% of sexual offences prosecuted in 2016–17 were perpetrated 
against child victims. 
 
- 
The volume of convictions rose from 9,351 in 2015–16 to 10,721 in 2016–17 - a rise of 1,370 
(14.7%). The conviction rate increased from 78.0% in 2015–16 to 79.5% - the highest volume 
and rate ever recorded.  
 Link to the SO section of the data report pages A23–A25 for details of CPS activity, next steps and detailed data analysis This case study illustrates a complex sexual offences cases involving social media. A man was prosecuted for 30 incidents where he was posing as a teenage girl and sending images across the internet to young boys to get them to send pictures of themselves and inciting them to commit sexual acts on their younger siblings and the family pets. The offences started when he was a youth and spanned various countries across the globe. He was sentenced to eight years in total to reflect his age at the time but also capture the seriousness of the criminality. He was given an indefinite Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO) and placed on the Sexual Offenders Register. 

 
So-called 'honour-based' violence, forced marriage, and female genital mutilation16 For detailed data and analysis of so-called 'honour-based' violence and forced marriage, please link to the HBV/FM section of the data report pages A26–A28 So-called 'honour-based' violence The first ever joint police/CPS investigation and prosecution protocol for so–called 'honour-based' violence (HBV) and forced marriage (FM) was published in 2016. An HBV and FM action plan was developed for implementation in 2017–18 and a working group of specialist organisations was set up to oversee its delivery. Actions include updating the CPS Legal Guidance; revising the list of CPS Area HBV and FM Leads; providing training and the development of a CPS communications strategy around these crimes. There was a fall in HBV and FM referrals, charged defendants and prosecutions in 2016–17, with a steady volume of convictions. The action plans aim to improve prosecution outcomes in 2017–18. 

- 
The volume of referrals from the police of HBV related offences fell from 216 in 2015–16 to 
200 in 2016–17, with a corresponding fall from 145 to 136 in the volume of defendants 
charged. 
 
- 
The volume of prosecutions completed fell from 182 in 2015–16 to 171 in 2016–17.  
 
- 
The volume of convictions stayed steady - 91 in 2015–16 and 90 in 2016–17. The conviction 
rate increased from 50.0% to 52.6%. 
 Link to the HBV section of the data report pages A26–A28 for details of CPS activity, next steps and detailed data analysis 

This case study is an example of an honour-based violence case. Two defendants were sentenced for honour-based violence involving a non-recent case of child neglect with both physical and emotional abuse, inside the UK and in their country of origin. The 
17 year old victim had been abused and controlled by his father for becoming too 'westernised'. The abuse dated back to when the victim was around ten years of age with another family member also playing a leading role in punishing the victim for conforming to a western society. One of the more recent assaults and threats of violence related to the victim having formed a relationship with a white British female. The victim was significantly underweight and under the Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) for depression (including thoughts of selfharm and suicide). One defendant received nine months' imprisonment and the other a 12 month community order, 20 days rehabilitation activity requirement (RAR) and 80 hours unpaid work. 

Restraining orders were also granted. 

## Forced Marriage

A case study of forced marriage carried out by family members. The father and brother of a forced marriage victim were convicted of common assault and a forced marriage protection order was put in place, with the victim moved to safe location. The victim refused to attend court for fear of being kidnapped by the family so a witness summons was sought and she attended, with support and screens. Both defendants were convicted after trial; one was sentenced to 12 month community order (80 hours unpaid work) and the other to 
12 month community order (curfew 8pm–6am for one month). Both paid the victim surcharge and compensation and also received indefinite restraining orders.  
 

 
- 
The volume of forced marriage referrals from the police fell from 90 in 2015–16 to 56 in 
2016–17, with a corresponding fall in the volume of defendants charged from 57 to 36. 
 
- 
The volume of prosecutions completed fell from 53 in 2015–16 to 44 in 2016–17.  
 
- 
The volume of convictions stayed steady at 32, as in 2015–16. The conviction rate increased 
from 60.4% in 2015–16 to 72.7% in 2016–17. 

 
Link to the FM section of the data report pages A26–A28 for details of CPS activity, next steps and 
detailed data analysis 
 

This case study illustrates a successful prosecution for a breach of a Forced Marriage Protection 
Order.  
 
The victim took out a Forced Marriage Protection Order against her father, the defendant, as she 
believed he was going to force her to marry someone, after he found out she was in a relationship 
with someone from another religion. The victim and her boyfriend received a series of 
threatening text messages and phone calls from the defendant after this order was made, over a 
four week period. The defendant admitted sending the messages and breaching the order 
claiming he had not read the order properly. The defendant pleaded guilty at the first hearing and 
was sentenced to 18 weeks' imprisonment suspended for two years, a 20 day RAR and 120 hours 
of unpaid work. A restraining order was imposed preventing the defendant from also contacting 
the victim's boyfriend directly or indirectly for two years. 

## Female Genital Mutilation

- 
Lead Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) prosecutors for each CPS Area provided early 
investigative advice to police following any FGM reports and were involved in local training and safeguarding events, to support community engagement.  
 
- 
Whilst mandatory reporting by front line professionals has not resulted in a significant 
increase in cases being investigated and referred for prosecution, they have led to safeguarding measures being put in place with families and/or FGM Protection Orders being granted as preventative measures.  
 Link to the FGM section of the data report page A29 for details of CPS activity and next steps 
 
Child abuse17 For detailed data and analysis of child abuse please link to the child abuse section of the data report pages A30–A33 The CPS continued to play a central role in the Home Office-led cross government strategy to respond to sexual violence against children. This included engaging with a young witness initiative to expedite cases involving child witnesses under the age of 10 years. The CPS was also involved with the Centre of Expertise on Child Sexual Abuse and Exploitation.18 The CPS network of child sexual abuse (CSA) specialists was reinvigorated to act a source of expertise for colleagues dealing with CSA cases, both locally and nationally. Guidelines on prosecuting indecent images of children were updated in 2016. Child abuse referrals and defendants charged rose in 2016–17. Child abuse and CSA prosecutions and convictions reached the highest volumes ever. 

  

- 
Between 2007-08 and 2016–17, CSA conviction volumes have risen from 2,840 to 5,374, a 
rise of 2,534 convictions, and the highest volume since records began - an 89% rise over this 
ten year period. 
 
- 
In 2016–17, the volume of child abuse referrals from the police increased from 13,282 in 
2015–16 to 13,310 - an increase of 28 referrals (0.2%). 8,974 (67.4% of referrals) were 
charged, a rise of 85 from 2015–16, the highest volume ever recorded.  
 
- 
The volume of prosecutions completed rose from 11,130 in 2015–16 to 11,793 in 2016–17 - 
a rise of 663 (6.0%), the highest volume ever recorded.  
 
- 
The volume of convictions rose from 8,439 in 2015–16 to 8,999 in 2016–17 - a rise of 560 
(6.6%) - the highest volume ever recorded.  
 
- 
CSA offence prosecutions completed in 2016–17 rose from 6,217 to 7,181 - a rise of 964 
(15.5%) and the highest volume ever recorded.  
- 
The volume of CSA convictions rose from 4,643 in 2015–16 to 5,374 in 2016–17 - a rise of 
731 (15.7%) - the highest volume ever recorded. The conviction rate stayed steady at 74.8%.  

## Link To The Child Abuse Section Of The Data Report Pages A30–A33 For Details Of Cps Activity, Next Steps And Detailed Data

This case study illustrates a successful prosecution from abroad, using a remote video link, to convict a perpetrator of severe child abuse, including child sexual abuse that was carried out over many years. 

From 2004 until 2012, a defendant subjected all of his children to a campaign of physical violence and, in the case of two of the children, sexual abuse. The sexual abuse included repeated rape of one of his sons, who was then eight years old, over a period of several months, as well as repeated sexual assaults upon him and his brother who was then seven years old. The mother 
(who was also assaulted) was previously unwilling to report any offence because of the shame in her community of reporting another member to the authorities. However she and her children fled the country and in 2016 she was approached by the police abroad and reported the offences for the first time. They were granted special measures to give their evidence by remote link. The public gallery was closed to all except the press when the children gave evidence. He was sentenced to 22 years' imprisonment. 

 
Human trafficking and modern slavery For detailed data and analysis of human trafficking and modern slavery, please link to the HT and MS section of the VAWG data report pages A34–A38 The CPS worked with a range of investigative, prosecutorial and governmental partners to improve the domestic and international response to trafficking and modern slavery. The CPS International Justice and Organised Crime Division provided capacity building support in priority countries 
(including the 2016–17 deployment of a Criminal Justice Advisor to Nigeria). Prosecutors assisted international colleagues to enforce assets on behalf of the CPS, through asset sharing agreements, as well as helping them develop their own capacity for asset recovery. This is important in ensuring that assets are confiscated to support reparation orders for victims. 

The volume of police referrals rose, with a steady volume of defendants charged and prosecuted. The volume of convictions fell slightly. 

- 
The volume of human trafficking police referrals rose from 246 in 2015–16 to 271 in 2016–17 
- the highest volume ever recorded, with a steady volume of defendants charged (188). 
 
- 
The volume of human trafficking prosecutions completed in 2016–17 stayed steady at 295, as 
in 2015–16. 
 
- 
The volume of human trafficking convictions fell from 192 in 2015–16 to 181 in 2016–17. The 
conviction rate fell from 65.1% to 61.4%. 
 Link to the human trafficking and modern slavery section of the data report pages A34–A38 for details of CPS activity, next steps and detailed data 
 

This case study is an example of human trafficking for sexual exploitation. Three defendants forced a group of Hungarian women to work as prostitutes. The women were trafficked to the UK with the promise of legitimate jobs. Their identity documents were taken and they were forced into sex work. Two of the women had up to ten customers every day, while a third was ordered to have sex with men at car washes. The victims, who were aged between 19 and 24, came from poor backgrounds and spoke little or no English. One of the defendants convinced two of the women that he was in a romantic relationship with them in order to manipulate them. The defendants were convicted - one was sentenced to over 13 years' 
imprisonment; the second to over eight years for human trafficking and forcing prostitution and the third was sentenced to over three years for controlling of prostitution for gain. 

Prostitution For detailed data and analysis of prostitution please link to the prostitution section of the VAWG 
data report pages A39–A40 The CPS focuses on the prosecution of those who force others into prostitution, exploit, abuse and harm them. Our joint approach with the police, with the support of other agencies, is to help those involved in prostitution to develop routes out. 

 

- 
The volume of prostitution related offences19 related to the control of prostitution stayed 
steady in 2016–17 (99 from 100 in 2015–16) against a fall in prosecutions for brothel keeping 
(90 from 111) and kerb crawling (148 from 153).  
 
- 
Prosecution of street offences fell to 127 in 2016–17 from 163 in 2015–16. 
 
Link to the prostitution section of the data report pages A39–A40 for details of CPS activity, next steps and detailed data 
 

This case study is an example of the way perpetrators target vulnerable young girls, pretending they are in love to sexually exploit them. A 17 year old young girl was groomed by two men, preying on her vulnerability due to a traumatic childhood. One of the men pretended to love her and she fell in love with him. For a period of six months the two men groomed her, coerced her, incited her and controlled her into selling sex. Over time they supplied her with drugs and threatened to harm her or those about whom she cared. They involved her in criminal activity, burgling houses and stealing - as a result she came to the attention of the police. The defendants were found guilty and each sentenced to 11 years' imprisonment. 

 
 
Pornography and obscenity20 For detailed data and analysis of pornography and obscenity please link to the pornography and obscenity section of the data report pages A41–A43 The CPS published revised guidelines for prosecuting indecent images of children (IIOC) in 2016 to streamline and rationalise the use of images in prosecutions. This has allowed prosecutions to proceed more efficiently with fewer offences per defendant prosecuted, but allowing the court sufficient sentencing power to cover the gravity of the offending. There was a rise in obscenity offences prosecuted, with a higher proportion of indecent or grossly offensive prosecutions related to domestic abuse. Prosecutions for so-called 'rape pornography' and so-called 'revenge pornography' increased. 

 

- 
In 2016–17 there was a fall in the prosecution of child abuse image offences21 from 22,545 in 
2015–16 to 20,803. These included prosecutions commenced for 14,691 offences of sexual 
exploitation of children through photographs, a fall from 16,672 in 2015–16 (a fall of 11.9%). 
 
- 
There was a rise in obscenity offences prosecuted from 6,940 in 2015–16 to 8,049 in 2016–17 
(16%). 
 
- 
There were 24 prosecutions of rape pornography in 2016–17, a rise from three in 2015–16. 
 
- 
There were 465 prosecutions commenced of the offence of disclosing private sexual images 
without consent (so-called revenge pornography) a rise from 206 in the previous year.  
 
- 
There were fourteen prosecutions commenced of the offence of possession of a paedophile manual, a rise from one in the previous year. 
 

Link to the pornography and obscenity section of the data report pages A41–A43 for details of CPS 
activity, next steps and detailed data 
 

The following case is an example of the cases we are now prosecuting under the offence of possession of a paedophile manual. An offender's computer and mobile phone were examined by the police following the conviction for other offences. Police examination found a 170 page paedophile manual detailing how to have a sexual relationship with a child, including advice on how not to get caught by law enforcement agencies. He pleaded guilty to possession of the paedophile manual and other sexual offences and was given two years' custody as part of a total sentence of six years and an extended licence of four years. The court also imposed a lifetime Sexual Harm Prevention Order.  
 

The following case studies illustrate the range of ways in which exploitative sexual images are used - they cover indecent images of children including sexual abuse of babies; heterosexual and same sex disclosing of private images without consent. A defendant was convicted of sexually abusing his baby daughter, recording her abuse and sharing it on the internet with others. He denied taking the images but experts identified bedrooms in the house, clothing and items such as the defendant's watch, which proved it was him who had taken the photos. Electronic items were seized from the defendant's address including images of sexual abuse of babies, from new born through to girls aged nine years. He was convicted and sentenced to 13 years' imprisonment plus one year extended licence and Sexual Harm Prevention Order. Another defendant assaulted and abused his partner on numerous occasions, over a period of months. He forced her to allow him to take a photograph of her semi-clothed and give him her social media account passwords. When she separated from him he posted the image of her and doctored it, advertising both her and her mother as prostitutes. He also sent doctored pornographic images with the victim's features superimposed on them to her parents. The lawyer prosecuting the case identified that it was a controlling and coercive (C&C) relationship and added that charge and an offensive communications charge. The defendant pleaded guilty to the C&C count including posting the images of the victim and her mother. He was sentenced to two years' imprisonment with a five year restraining order. In a third case, a couple separated after a short sexual relationship, during which the victim had shared naked pictures of herself with the defendant. The defendant then sent one of the pictures to the victim's work colleagues by email and made threats to send further pictures and text messages with a sexual content. The victim was particularly distressed as this was her first same sex relationship and she had not come out to her friends, family or colleagues. The nature of the employment of both parties meant the case attracted media attention and the case involved very sensitive handling and applications at court to ensure the victim was not named or identified in media reporting. The defendant received a 12 month community order and a restraining order. 

 

 
Please link to the data report for the performance data for all VAWG prosecutions and good 
practice 
 
Please link to Annex 1 for Areas and police force data, Annex 2 for MoJ data and Glossaries for terms 
and acronyms: 
 
Annex 1 Area data 
Annex 2 MoJ data 
Glossaries of terms and acronyms 

 
 
The VAWG data report provides detailed data analysis on each of the VAWG strands. 


## Vawg Data Report

 
Introduction 
 
The VAWG data report provides an assessment of prosecution performance in domestic abuse (DA), stalking, harassment, rape1, sexual offences, forced marriage, so-called 'honour-based' violence, female genital mutilation, child abuse, human trafficking for sexual exploitation, prostitution and pornography. These crimes have been grouped together under the heading 'VAWG', recognising that they have been committed primarily, but not exclusively, by men against women; with a disproportionate volume of female victims. There is a gendered pattern of power, coercion or control. However, these offences can be targeted at men and boys and in 2017 a public statement was published on our approach and support for male victims. Legal guidance and training for prosecutors will be updated to include details of the experience of male victims, to help challenge myths and stereotypes and provide details of support services for male victims. In addition work is underway to improve the recording of the gender of victims in order to provide better data around the prevalence of victims, by gender. The CPS is committed to securing justice for all victims of crimes grouped together as 'VAWG'. To that end, we are inclusive in our approach. All our VAWG policies are applied fairly and equitably to all perpetrators and victims of crime - irrespective of their gender. Freedom from violence and abuse is explicitly recognised in international law with respect to both human rights and gender. VAWG is recognised worldwide, and by the UK Government, as a form of offending where gender plays a part. As the United Nations2 describes it: Violence against women is a manifestation of historically unequal power relations between men and women, which have led to domination over and discrimination against women by men and to the prevention of the full advancement of women, and … violence against women is one of the crucial social mechanisms by which women are forced into a subordinate position compared with men. The CPS VAWG strategy is part of the overarching cross-government VAWG strategic framework, based on the United Nations conventions that the UK has signed and ratified. In March 2016, a cross government strategy - *Ending Violence against Women and Girls 2016–2020* - was launched outlining actions the Government is taking forward. The implementation of these actions, including those for CPS, will continue to be overseen by the VAWG Inter-Ministerial Group. We have committed to bringing more perpetrators to justice and improving the support for victims through reviewing our guidance, training, best practice and performance across VAWG strands and engaging with stakeholders. The CPS VAWG strategy has been updated for 2017–2020. This data report is therefore an analysis of the key prosecution issues in each VAWG crime strand - detailed above. The data that forms the basis of the report is derived from the CPS' Case Management System (CMS), CPS' Witness Management System (WMS) and its associated Management Information System (MIS). The data are held within three separate databases within the MIS3, based on defendants, offences and victims or witnesses. Data cannot be correlated 
 
between the separate databases4. The report includes total data on all perpetrators and victims, irrespective of gender. Where possible, data is broken down, in the body of the report, by gender as well as overall volumes and proportions. DA, rape, forced marriage, honour-based violence, child abuse and human trafficking cases are identified by flags applied to defendants in the CMS and reported through MIS. This data is recorded on a suspect (pre-charge) or defendant (post-charge) basis and therefore provides data on police referrals and charged defendants as well as outcomes. In addition, it provides equality profiles of defendants5. We analyse the outcomes of prosecutions using the defendant database and therefore this report annex reflects that throughout. Further detail is provided in each section on the proportion of defendants prosecuted by gender where available. Stalking, harassment, sexual offences, prostitution, pornography and obscenity data can only be provided using the offences data recorded in the CMS and reported through the MIS. This data comprises the number of offences in which a prosecution commenced at Magistrates' Courts, and does not include any information on the number of referrals from the police, charged by CPS and the prosecution outcomes6. In addition data on victim profiles is not available for these offences. The CPS Witness Management System (WMS) is a bespoke case management system designed by and for specialist Witness Care Unit (WCU) staff to effectively manage their cases. The WMS records victim and witness data and, where recorded, the system includes data reporting equality profiles of victims (and witnesses). The WMS can only provide data on the *volumes* of victims associated with prosecution proceedings, by gender (where available), rather than the *outcome* of those prosecutions. It does not include any data which reports the volumes of alleged victims associated with pre-charge proceedings and therefore cannot include data on police referrals and CPS charging. The CPS collects data to assist in the effective management of its prosecution functions. The CPS does not collect data which constitutes official statistics as defined in the Statistics and Registration Service Act 20077. The purpose of this report is to provide an assessment of performance based on the best available data from the CPS Management Information System. Further information and deeper analysis of the prevalence of DA, rape, sexual offences, child abuse and stalking is available in the Crime Survey of England and Wales (CSEW).  
 
Equality profiles of defendants, by gender, ethnicity and age are assessed and reported on in this annex. Data on the equality profiles of victims are reported where available and we continue to look for ways in which to improve the victim related data held in the CJS. In line with government policy, we publish the underlying data used in our reports. The underlying data for this report8 can be found on the CPS website, in the Publications section under Underlying Data/Violence Against Women. Link to Glossary of terms and acronyms.

VAWG Governance A Chief Crown Prosecutor acts as a national CPS VAWG Champion, linking across Headquarters and all CPS Areas, as well as chairing the External Consultation Group (see below). National CPS VAWG 
strategy managers, in the Operations Directorate of CPS Headquarters, oversee the VAWG work across CPS Areas. They oversee the delivery of the VAWG strategy, especially through the VAWG assurance scheme outlined below. The national VAWG leads publish quarterly CPS VAWG newsletters, outlining updates of work across all VAWG strands. In 2016–17 CPS Area VAWG Coordinators continued to lead VAWG prosecutions locally and worked with Area Inclusion and Community Engagement Managers (ICEMs) in the running of Local Scrutiny and Involvement Panels (LSIPs). All Areas have panels covering VAWG issues - predominantly addressing DA and rape prosecutions. In 2016–17 some specifically focused on performance data, coercion and control cases, FM and HBV, ethnicity or mental health issues. The VAWG Coordinators work with their Chief Crown Prosecutors in providing bi-annual reports on performance directly to the DPP through the VAWG assurance scheme. They meet bi-annually as a network - roundtable meetings were held in September 2016 and April 2017 to discuss the implementation of actions at a local level. VAWG sections have been set up within the CPS casework and knowledge hubs of the internal website to ensure that prosecutors have practical assistance related to casework preparation as well as good practice examples, links to local leads, legal guidance, toolkits and VAWG newsletters. In 2016–17 at a national level the CPS VAWG External Consultation Group (ECG), as a subgroup of the wider CPS Community Accountability Forum, involved key VAWG expert groups to advise the CPS 
VAWG team. Locally stakeholders provide feedback and offer advice through CPS LSIPs. 

VAWG Assurance Scheme In 2016–17, CPS Areas continued to monitor their performance using the VAWG assurance scheme, assessing a broad range of measures, including consideration of trends in performance on caseloads and conviction rates in comparison to the national average for DA, rape and sexual offences. Where possible, this involves detailed analysis of police referrals, charging, prosecutions and outcomes, including convictions, attrition linked to victim issues and, for all sexual offences, jury acquittals. The CPS Areas provide commentary on their overall performance and identify actions to address improvements. CPS Areas also provide details of their work across all other VAWG strands. Areas receive feedback on their assurance reports from the DPP and the central VAWG team and are required to draw up and deliver at least three action points following each bi-annual assessment. 

  
Social Media The CPS published revised guidelines on social media in October 2016 to include a new section on VAWG, following consultation. The new section addressed prosecution of VAWG offences involving the use of the internet, social media platforms, emails, text messages, smart-phone apps, spyware and GPS tracking software. It specifically included cyber-stalking, disclosing private sexual images without consent and controlling or coercive behaviour. The CPS also addressed the emerging trend of potentially grossly offensive communications, containing images of women with very serious injuries, being raped or being subjected to sadistic acts of violence. Advice has been added to the guidelines about the use of false online profiles and websites which are being set up in the victim's name, with false and damaging information. Details of prosecutions are included in the Pornography and Obscenity section of this report. 

 
  
 

On 3 April 2017, s.67 of the Serious Crime Act 2015 was brought into force. It is now a criminal offence for anyone aged 18 or over to intentionally communicate with a child under 16, where the person acts for a sexual purpose and the communication is sexual or intended to elicit a sexual response. The offence applies to online and offline communication, including social media. 

 
The CPS VAWG approach looks at the whole pattern and picture of offending, recognising the power and control dynamics based on gender, which are so often at play in these cases. It ensures we can also address appropriate support to victims. 

VAWG performance data For performance management purposes, the CPS has grouped together a sub-set of offences - DA, rape9 and sexual offences. Data for the sub-set of 'VAWG' crimes is included within this section of the report, with the caveats as outlined in the introduction. As in previous years, the majority of prosecutions of crimes grouped under VAWG for performance management purposes are DA 
(83.4%10), with rape at 4.6%11, with a rise in the proportion of sexual offences, excluding rape, at 
12.0%12. The data provided below relates to all 'VAWG' defendants and victims, irrespective of gender, with details of gender where available. 

- 
In 2016–17, there was a fall in police referrals13 compared to the previous year from 124,737 
to 117,444. However this fall is assessed against a rise in the proportion of cases charged from 69% in the previous year to 70.7%, resulting in 83,084 defendants charged. 
 
- 
The volume of VAWG cases, as a proportion of the total CPS caseload, is assessed as the 
'VAWG caseload'. The VAWG caseload rose in 2016–17, reaching the highest level ever 
recorded, at 19.3%. This is up from 7.1% in 2007–08. 


2010–11 
 2011–12 
 2012–13 
 2013–14 
 2014–15 
 2015–16 
 2016–17 
CPS NATIONAL 
9.9% 
10.2% 
10.3% 
12.5% 
16.3% 
18.6% 
19.3% 

 
- 
The volume of VAWG crime prosecutions completed14 fell from 117,568 in 2015–16 to 
112,270 in 2016-18. This represents a fall of 5,298 or 4.5%.  
 
- 
The volumes of convictions fell from 87,275 in 2015–16 to 84,565 in 2016–17, with a 75.3% 
conviction rate.  

- 
67.0% of successful outcomes were due to guilty pleas and out of all VAWG prosecutions 
contested at trial (excluding mixed pleas15), 51.4% were convicted. 
 
- 
27,705 prosecutions were unsuccessful - 15.8% due to prosecutions dropped (including 
decisions to discontinue, withdraw or offer no evidence). 
 
- 
Out of all unsuccessful outcomes, 47.0% were due to victim issues16; however out of all 
VAWG cases prosecuted, the proportion that was unsuccessful due to victim issues has fallen from 12.1% in 2015–16 to 11.6% in 2016–17. 
 The underlying data is provided in the linked annex at Underlying Data/Violence Against Women. The CPS Area and police force data is at Annex 1. 

                                                 

## Gender17

- 
Of the 112,270 defendants prosecuted, 103,960 defendants were male, 8,152 were female 
and in 158 cases the gender of the defendant was not recorded. Where the gender of the 
defendant was recorded, 92.7% were male and 7.3% were female18. 
- 
Data from the Witness Management System showed that 104,698 victims were recorded19. 
Of all victims 68,196 were female, 13,818 were male and in 22,684 cases the gender of the 
victim was not recorded. 78.3% of victim gender was recorded in 2016–17 - a fall from 82.1% 
in 2015–16. This is not robust enough to calculate proportions by gender accurately. In 2017–
18 measures will be considered to ensure more robust recording of gender.  

## Ethnicity

- 
In 2015–16, 70.9 % of VAWG crime defendants20 were categorised as White, of which 65.3% 
were identified as White British. 5.7% of defendants were identified as Asian, and 6.3% were 
identified as Black21. Just under half of victim ethnicity was not recorded (45.7%), so this data 
is not robust enough to be reported on within this report. 

## Age

- 
From those defendants where age was recorded22, the majority of defendants were aged 25-
59 (74.2%) and 18-24 (19.2%). 22.1% of defendants (24,780) were 24 years old or under, with 
3,059 (2.7%) of defendants being 14-17 years old and 226 (0.2%) aged 10-13.  
- 
From those victims where age was recorded23, the majority were aged 25-59 (67.6%) and 18-
24 (21.1%). 27.3% of victims (25,679) were under 24 years old, with 4,264 (4.5%) of victims being 14-17 years old, 1,244 (1.3%) aged 10-13 and 336 under 10 (0.4%). 
                                                 
systems.  
defendants). categories. 

the police. 

2299.7% of defendant ages were recorded in 2016–17 - a rise from 99.6% in 2015–16. 2390.0% of victim ages were recorded in 2015–16 - a rise from 82.7% in 2015–16. 

 
  
 

## Domestic Abuse

 
Introduction In 2016–17 CPS worked across the CJS in developing and testing best practice for use across all Magistrates' Court systems. Two new mandatory DA e-learning modules were developed for training of prosecutors. There was an increase in the prosecution of the offences of controlling or coercive behaviour and disclosing private sexual images without consent in DA cases. The fall in police referrals of DA identified in 2015–16 has had an impact on the volumes of prosecutions and convictions in 2016–17. We worked closely with the police and Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary (HMIC) to identify the reasons for the fall and are addressing ways to ensure referrals are made appropriately. Data provided below relates to all DA defendants and victims, irrespective of gender, with details of gender where available. 

Summary of CPS activity 
 

- 
Exploration into the drop in police referrals of DA suspects has been carried out in collaboration with the police locally through all police forces and our CPS VAWG Coordinators as well as nationally with the National Police Chiefs' Council lead on DA, police Regional DA 
leads and HMIC. The possible reasons impacting on progression of cases and victim 
involvement may include difficulties and changes in data capture and delays in police 
responses and arrests. The HMIC is addressing a number of these issues through their 
inspection and will report later in 2017.  
 
- 
We are working closely with our police colleagues to address the fall and take forward appropriate cases, through the National Police Regional DA leads. We are sharing our 
learning with the police on coercive or controlling (C&C) offences and are providing them 
with an aide memoire based on our DA e-learning modules, addressing C&C behaviour and 
evidence-led prosecutions. 
 
- 
In addition, together with the National Police Chiefs' Council lead on DA, we have raised the 
issue through the Ministerial Level Domestic Abuse Working Group and the Home Office 
National DA Oversight Group to ensure it is addressed at the highest level. 
 
- 
A DA 'Deep Dive' was undertaken in 2016–17 for the National Criminal Justice Board to 
identify and test a best practice framework for use in Magistrates' Courts to improve performance and service to victims of DA. The components of the framework were tested in Bradford, Highbury and Nottingham. This included consideration of different models for early listing and 'clustering' of DA cases to understand any impact on outcomes.  
 
- 
The 'Deep Dive' exercise has also informed a revision to the Specialist Domestic Abuse Courts (SDACs) resource manual which is intended to be the gold standard for accredited SDACs. 
 
- 
Two new mandatory DA e-learning modules on evidence-led prosecutions and controlling or 
coercive behaviour were developed in 2016–17 for mandatory training of prosecutors. The 
Prosecution Domestic Abuse e-Learning Modules were refreshed for new prosecutors. 
Throughout the year, CPS prosecutors were also involved in training Independent Domestic Violence Advisors (IDVAs) to further improve their understanding of the prosecution process. 

 
- 
Early analysis of the implementation of s.76 of the Serious Crime Act 2015: Controlling or 
Coercive Behaviour in an Intimate or Family Relationship was carried out in spring 2016. A 
further review was carried out in April 2017. Both reviews confirmed appropriate application by prosecutors of the legal guidance. It was noted however that the majority of victims of controlling or coercive behaviour were waiting until a violent act had occurred before they made a report to the police. 
- 
We shared learning from the cases we reviewed with the police and have developed a 
bespoke e-learning course which all prosecutors had to complete before July 2017.  
 
- 
A Revised Out-Of-Court Disposal (OOCD) Framework pilot that began in November 2014 
concluded in October 2015. The forces were granted an exemption to the DPP's guidance on 
conditional cautions which allowed them to use this disposal in place of a simple caution, when it was an appropriate course of action. The findings are being analysed by Ministry of Justice (MoJ) and partners.  
 
- 
In September 2016 the DPP's guidance on charging was amended to make clear that where prosecutors, outside the pilot Areas, felt that a conditional caution was an exceptionally appropriate course of action for DA cases, this could be authorised with the agreement of the 
VAWG strategy team.  
 
- 
A Justice Select Committee was held in 2016 on Restorative Justice and their findings, including their potential use in DA cases, were published in July 2016. The MOJ is leading discussions to create a cross-government position paper which will outline the criteria for any potential use, including safety issues and risk assessments.  
 
- 
A number of local initiatives have been identified as good practice throughout 2016–17, for 
example:  
 
o CPS Area LSIPs addressed DA case issues including coercive or controlling behaviour, 
ethnicity and Black and Minority Ethnic (BAME) victims.  
o  Many CPS Areas work closely with IDVAs, e.g. CPS Cymru-Wales and CPS North West 
held specific IDVA engagement sessions. 
o The majority of CPS Areas ensured DA cases in Magistrates' and Crown Court were 
prosecuted by specialist trained lawyers; where trials were unavoidably conducted by agents, Areas instructed selected experienced agents. CPS West Midlands insisted that trial advocates consulted with managers before they spoke with victims or witnesses on any case progression proposals. 
o DA courts in CPS Mersey Cheshire worked closely operationally (for example discussing 
summonses and risk on individual cases) as well as at a strategic level, with good 
performance. 
o Some CPS Areas endeavoured to list DA cases for trial with 14 days of the first hearing 
which reduced victim attrition.  
o  In CPS North West the Divisional Court reaffirmed the CPS approach to the use of res 
gestae24 in DA cases when challenged.  
o  CPS North West has also introduced a specific court to hear all DA custody cases, 
enabling specialist prosecutors, police officers and support agencies to attend.  
- 
The CPS will work with government departments in 2017–18 in the development of the 
Domestic Violence and Abuse Bill to bring perpetrators to justice as well as further protect 
victims of abuse. 
 
- 
CPS will continue to work closely with the police locally and nationally to ensure appropriate referrals are made by the police to CPS and address the fall in referrals where needed. 
 
- 
The National Criminal Justice Board will evaluate outcomes from the 'Deep Dive' in 2017–18 
to consider rolling out nationally, with a revision of the SDAC resource manual.  
- 
Legal guidance, training and case studies for prosecutors will be updated to include details of 
the experience of male victims to help challenge myths and stereotypes and provide details 
of support services for male victims. In addition work is underway to improve the recording of the gender of victims. 

## Da Data Data Provided Below Relates To All Da Defendants And Victims, Irrespective Of Gender, With Further Details Of Gender Where Available.

- 
The volume of DA referrals from the police fell from 117,882 in 2015–16 to 110,833 in 2016–
17 - a fall of 7,049 referrals (6.0%). Of these 71.7% were charged (up from 69.7% in the previous year) resulting in 79,413 defendants charged (a fall of 3.3% from 2015–16).  
- 
The average number of days to charge in 2016–17 reached 6.7 days, from 4.6 days in the 
previous year.  

- 
The proportion of DA cases25 has stayed steady - 16% in 2015–16 and 16.1% in 2016–17.  
 
                                                 
25 DA caseload is the volume of DA cases as a percentage of all court prosecutions. 

 
  
 

 
 2009–10 
 2010–11 
 2011–12 
 2012–13 
 2013–14 
 2014–15 
 2015–16 
 2016–17 
CPS NATIONAL 
7.5% 
8.6% 
8.9% 
8.9% 
10.7% 
14.1% 
16.0% 
16.1% 

- 
The volume of prosecutions26 completed fell from 100,930 in 2015–16 to 93,590 in 2016–17 
- a fall of 7,340 defendants (7.3%). 1.7% of DA prosecutions were also flagged as rape and 3.5% were also flagged as child abuse. 
- 
The volume of convictions fell from 75,235 in 2015–16 to 70,853 in 2016–17 - a fall of 4,382 
convictions (5.8%). The conviction rate increased from 74.5% in 2015–16 to 75.7% in 2016–
17, the highest rate ever recorded.  

|              |        |      |        |      |        |      |        |  2010–11    |  2011–12    |  2012–13    |  2013–14    |  2014–15    |  2015–16    |  2016–17    |
|--------------|--------|------|--------|------|--------|------|--------|-------------|-------------|-------------|-------------|-------------|-------------|-------------|
|              | Vol    | %    | Vol    | %    | Vol    | %    | Vol    | %           | Vol         | %           | Vol         | %           | Vol         | %           |
| Convictions  | 59,101 | 71.9 | 58,138 | 73.3 | 52,549 | 74.3 | 58,276 | 74.6        | 68,601      | 73.9        | 75,235      | 74.5        | 70,853      | 75.7        |
| Unsuccessful | 23,086 | 28.1 | 21,130 | 26.7 | 18,153 | 25.7 | 19,795 | 25.4        | 24,178      | 26.1        | 25,695      | 25.5        | 22,737      | 24.3        |
| Total        | 82,187 |      | 79,268 |      | 70,702 |      | 78,071 |             | 92,779      |             | 100,930     | 93,590      |             |             |

- 
Between 2007-08 and 2016–17, conviction volumes have risen from 43,977 to 70,853 - a rise 
of 26,876 convictions - a 61% rise over this ten year period. Over the same period, conviction rates have risen from 68.9% to 75.7% - just under 7 percentage points (ppt). 
- 
In 2016–17, 81,934 cases (87.5% of all DA cases prosecuted) were concluded within the 
Magistrates' Court. Of these, 76.1% were convicted.  
 

- 
72.9% of the 11,656 defendants prosecuted in Crown Courts were convicted.  
 
- 
In 2016–17, there was a rise in guilty pleas, out of all DA cases prosecuted, reaching 68.7% (90.7% of all successful outcomes). There was also a rise to 53.0 % convictions out of all DA 
prosecutions contested at trial (excluding mixed pleas27). 
 
- 
Prosecutions dropped have fallen to the lowest level recorded at 17.1% of all prosecuted DA cases, from 18.2% in the previous year. 
 
- 
Unsuccessful outcomes that were due to victim issues28 rose from 52.5% in 2015–16 to 
54.0%. This was mainly due to a slight rise in victim non-attendance (from 25.5% in 28.3%).  
 
- 
However, out of *all* DA cases prosecuted, the proportion that were unsuccessful due to victim 
issues29 remained steady at 13.1% compared to 13.4% in the previous year. Support for 
victims through the court process is important in reducing retractions and work with IDVAs or equivalent local support services are key to improved prosecutions.  
 
- 
Since the introduction of the offence of controlling or coercive behaviour, 309 offences have 
been charged and reached a first hearing. 7.4% of these offences were flagged as rape.30 
 
The underlying data is provided in the linked annex at Underlying Data/Violence Against Women. The CPS Area and police force data is at Annex 1. 

 
Equalities issues Gender 

- 
Of the 93,590 defendants prosecuted, 85,280 defendants were male, 7,656 were female and 
in 114 cases the gender was not recorded31. In 2016–17, where the gender of the defendant 
was recorded, 91.8% were male and 8.2% female32, a slight rise in female defendants from 
7.9% in the previous year. 
 
- 
For victim data, from the Witness Management System, 97,497 victims were recorded. Of all 
victims, 63,539 were female, 13,064 were male and in 20,894 cases the gender was not recorded. The recording of victim gender fell slightly from 82.6% in 2015–16 to 78.6% and is 
therefore not robust enough to calculate proportions by gender accurately. In 2017–18 
measures will be considered to ensure more robust recording of gender.  

## Ethnicity

- 
In 2016–17, 72.5% of DA defendants were categorised as White (a fall from 76.4% in 2015–
1633), with 67.0% being identified as belonging to the White British category. 6.2% of 
defendants were identified as Black, the same as the previous year and 5.7% were identified 
as Asian, a slight rise of 0.1ppt from the previous year34. 
- 
Just under half of victim ethnicity is still not recorded and therefore the data is not included in this report. 

## Age

- 
From those defendants where age was recorded35, the majority of defendants were aged 25-
59 (75.9%) and 18-24 (19.6%). 22.1% of defendants (20,648) were aged 24 and under, with 
2,266 (2.4%) of defendants being 14-17 years old and 123 (0.1%) aged 10-13.  
- 
From those victims where age was recorded36, the majority were aged 25-59 (69.0%) and 18-
24 (20.8%). 25.6% of victims (22,657) were 24 years old and under, with 3,205 (3.6%) of victims being 14-17 years old, 809 (0.9%) aged 10-13 and 233 under 10 (0.3%). 

## Relationships

- 
Recording of the relationship between the perpetrator and victim is not yet robust enough to assess. The recording within the CPS database fell from 57.6% in 2015–16 to 54.2% in 2016–
17. In 2017–18 measures will be considered to ensure better recording of relationships. 
3599.7% of defendant ages were recorded in 2016–17 - similar to 99.6% in 2015–16. 3690.7% of victim ages were recorded in 2016–17 - a rise from 83.3% in 2015–16. 

 
  
 

## Stalking And Harassment

 
Introduction The CPS performance data shows that there has been an overall fall in prosecutions commenced in relation to stalking, harassment and breaches of non-molestation orders (NMOs) in 2016–17, compared with 2015–16. There was a rise in prosecutions commenced for breaches of restraining orders. There was a higher proportion of DA-related harassment offences, breaches of NMOs and breaches of restraining orders on conviction commencing prosecutions in 2016–17. Following the HMIC/HMCPSI thematic inspection on stalking and harassment in 2016–17 the CPS is committed to improving performance in 2017–18 through updating guidance, training, monitoring and consultation with victims' groups. 

 
Summary of CPS activity 
 

- 
The CPS stalking and harassment working group, consisting of cross-government CJS 
specialist and third sector agency representatives, revised stalking training for prosecutors.  
 
- 
CPS social media guidelines were published in October 2016 containing a section on stalking and harassment. 
 
- 
Six CPS Areas were inspected by HMIC/HMCPSI in 2016–17, with a report published in July 
2017, outlining issues for improvement in the coming year. 
 
- 
The CPS worked collaboratively with the MoJ in their consideration of the stalking and harassment sentencing penalties within the Policing and Crime Bill, resulting in the maximum 
sentence for stalking being increased from 5 to 10 years. The Police and Crime Act 2017 
received Royal Assent on 31 January 2017.  
 
- 
In December 2016, the Home Secretary announced her intention to introduce new stalking protection orders which will help protect victims, at the earliest possible stage, particularly 
prior to prosecution. 
 
- 
A number of local initiatives have been identified as good practice throughout 2016–17:  
o CPS Cymru/Wales carried out a stalking deep-dive exercise and CPS Mersey and Chesire 
dip sampled stalking cases during 2016–17. 
o Following the HMCPSI inspection, local specialist training is planned in CPS Cymru/Wales , 
Mersey and Cheshire, North East, North West and South East. 
o Joint action plans with the police have been/are being developed in CPS North West and 
CPS South West; CPS North West is also holding a scrutiny panel. 
- 
Reinvigoration of the CPS Area leads on stalking and harassment. 
 
- 
Holding a webinar/face-to-face meeting with the CPS Area leads to share the results of the HMIC/HMCPSI thematic inspection of stalking and harassment and the actions to take forward improvements. 
 
- 
Implementation of the recommendations from the HMIC/HMCPSI thematic inspection of stalking and harassment, including: 
o working with the police to update and improve the joint Police/CPS protocol; o working across government (including with specialist NGOs) to develop a crossgovernment definition of stalking, so there is clear recognition of what constitutes a 
case of stalking; 
o consulting with victims' groups more effectively at a local and national level; 
o revising the stalking and harassment legal guidance to improve the distinction 
between stalking and harassment, to add in sentencing changes and include more case studies;  
o revising the legal guidance on restraining orders and acceptability of pleas; 
o delivering mandatory training for prosecutors. 
 
- 
Legal guidance, training and case studies for prosecutors will be updated to include details of 
the experience of male victims to help challenge myths and stereotypes and provide any 
details of support services for male victims. 
 
- 
Consideration will be given to supporting the development of a stalking 'app' by academics. 

## Stalking And Harassment Data In 2016–17:37

- 
Prosecutions were commenced for 11,889 stalking and harassment offences in 2016–17; this 
was a fall of 1,097 offences (8.4%) from 2015–16 when 12,986 prosecutions were 
commenced. 71.0% were DA related. 
 
- 
Prosecutions commenced in respect of 9,276 offences charged for harassment without violence - a fall from 10,073 in 2015–16. 72.1% of these offences were DA related. 
 
- 
1,654 prosecutions were commenced for harassment putting people in fear of violence - a 
slight fall from 1,811 in 2015–16. 68.3% of these offences were DA related. 
 
- 
There were 959 prosecutions commenced under the stalking offences - a fall from 2015–16 
when 1,102 prosecutions commenced; 
o 510 of these offences were with fear/alarm/distress (a slight fall from 643 in the previous 
year). 68.6% were DA related; 
o 449 of these offences involved fear of violence/serious alarm or distress (a slight fall from 
459 in the previous year). 66.3% of fear of violence and 59.0% of those with serious alarm or distress were DA related. 
 
- 
16,614 breaches of restraining order offences started prosecution, a rise of 8.0% from 15,384 
in 2015–16. 86.2% were DA related; the highest volume ever recorded:  
o of these, 15,937 were breaches of restraining orders that were made on conviction, a rise 
of 7.2% from 2015–16. 86.3% were DA related; 
o of all the breaches, 677 were breaches of restraining orders that were made on acquittal, 
a rise of 29.9% from 2015–16. 82.9% were DA related. 
 
- 
6,505 breaches of NMOs started prosecution, compared with 6,672 in the previous year, a fall of 2.5%. 94.8% were DA related. 
- 
Offence data is not available by gender of defendant or victim. 
 
- 
The national official statistics from the MoJ on defendants prosecuted and convicted for the 
calendar year 2016 are provided in Annex 2. The data outlines the prosecution outcomes by 
defendant. It reflected the pattern of CPS data overall, with fewer prosecutions of stalking 
and harassment offences and fewer convictions. More restraining orders on conviction were 
issued, but fewer on acquittal. There were more prosecutions and convictions of breaches of restraining orders on conviction and acquittal.  

|                |      |       |
|----------------|------|-------|
| 2011–12        |      |       |
|                |      |       |
|                |      |       |
|                |      |       |
| 2012 - 13      |      |       |
|                |      |       |
|                |      |       |
|                |      |       |
| 2013–14        |      |       |
|                |      |       |
|                |      |       |
|                |      |       |
| Vol            | Vol  |       |
|                |      |       |
| % DA           | Vol  |       |
|                |      |       |
| %              |      |       |
| DA             |      |       |
| 5,323          | 81.4 | 5,563 |
| Family Law     |      |       |
| Act 1996       |      |       |
| {42A(1) and    |      |       |
| (5)}           |      |       |
| Breach a       |      |       |
| non-           |      |       |
| molestation    |      |       |
| order -        |      |       |
| Family Law     |      |       |
| Act 1996       |      |       |
| 7,713          | 61.1 | 7,159 |
| PHA            |      |       |
| 38             |      |       |
|                |      |       |
| 1997 {         |      |       |
| 2(1) and (2)}  |      |       |
| Harassment     |      |       |
| without        |      |       |
| violence       |      |       |
| 1,632          | 64.7 | 1,398 |
| PHA 1997       |      |       |
| {4(1) and (4)} |      |       |
| Harassment -   |      |       |
| put in fear of |      |       |
| violence       |      |       |
| -              | -    | 72    |
| PHA 1997       |      |       |
| {2A(1) and     |      |       |
| (4)}           |      |       |
| Stalking with  |      |       |
| fear / alarm / |      |       |
| distress       |      |       |
| -              | -    | 9     |
| PHA 1997       |      |       |
| {4A(1)(a)(b)   |      |       |
| (i) and (5)}   |      |       |
| Stalking       |      |       |
| involving      |      |       |
| fear of        |      |       |
| violence       |      |       |
| -              | -    | 10    |
| PHA 1997       |      |       |
| {4A(1)(a)(b)   |      |       |
| (ii) and (5)}  |      |       |
| Stalking       |      |       |
| involving      |      |       |
| serious        |      |       |
| alarm /        |      |       |
| distress       |      |       |
| 8,447          | 73.0 | 9,962 |
| PHA 1997       |      |       |
| {5(5) and (6)} |      |       |
| Harassment -   |      |       |
| breach of a    |      |       |
| restraining    |      |       |
| order on       |      |       |
| conviction     |      |       |
| 286            | 70.6 | 313   |
| PHA 1997       |      |       |
| {5(5) and (6)} |      |       |
| Harassment -   |      |       |
| breach of a    |      |       |
| restraining    |      |       |
| order after    |      |       |
| acquittal      |      |       |
|                |      |       |
|                |      |       |
|                |      |       |

                                                 
38PHA - Protection from Harassment Act. 

 

 2016–17 
 2015–16 2014–15 % DA Vol % DA Vol % DA Vol % DA 10,073 70.9 9,276 72.1 1,811 65.7 1,654 68.3 643 70.9 510 68.6 128 67.2 83 66.3 14,863 85.8 15,937 86.3 521 85.2 677 82.9 

## Rape Introduction

In 2016–17 a co-ordinated programme of work was implemented by the Police and CPS Joint National Rape Steering Group, led by the DPP and national policing leads and supported by a joint Delivery Board. A comprehensive programme of training for specialist lawyers was delivered by all CPS Areas as recommended in the previous joint CPS Police National Rape Action Plan. This led to the rise in the volume of prosecutions and convictions, reaching the highest volumes ever recorded. There was a slight fall in police referrals and charged defendants which CPS will continue to work with the police to monitor and assess their appropriateness, addressing any issues across the CJS. 

  
Summary of CPS activity 
 

- 
During 2016–17, the Police and CPS Joint National Rape Steering Group, supported by a joint 
Delivery Board continued to implement a co-ordinated programme of work including: 
o standardised casework processes; o national file quality standard for rape cases;  
o strengthening the requirements and training support for CPS advocates and advocates 
from the external bar, through liaison with the Bar Council and Criminal Bar Association; 
o improved scrutiny of pre-charge casework volumes and timeliness of decision making; o a pilot in collaboration with key partners to develop streamlined and effective use of 
medical forensic evidence in rape cases; 
o work with key partners to improve joint handling of disclosure relating to third party 
protocol in rape cases. 
 
- 
During 2016–17 the national forum of RASSO Heads met on a bi-monthly basis to share and 
consult on best practice, lessons learned and to inform the delivery of recommendations 
from both internal and external reviews. The Director of Legal Services and the Director's 
Senior Legal Adviser have delivered RASSO workshops in Areas to support effective 
prosecutions. 
 
- 
CPS RASSO staff were supported with a comprehensive training package and welfare support programme. The training consisted of face to face workshops, e-learning and podcasts across 
a range of relevant topics including consent, myths and stereotypes, understanding victim vulnerabilities and offender tactics. 
 
- 
By the end of 2016–17 a significant recruitment exercise was completed to ensure that RASSO units were equipped to meet the substantial increase in the volume of case referrals from the police. Rotation principles, for specialist staff moving between RASSO units and 
Crown Court or Magistrates' Court units were also developed. 
 
- 
In 2016–17 the CPS implemented an Internal Quality Assurance regime to quality assure decision-making by RASSO lawyers and ensure compliance with CPS policies and guidance.  
 
- 
During 2016 membership of the Rape and Child Sexual Abuse Panel was renewed. Only specialist in-house advocates or counsel who have been selected to join the Panel, are 
instructed to appear in court on behalf of the CPS in these cases. 
 
  
 

- 
The CPS was also part of the National Rape Monitoring Group, chaired by HMIC. In November 
2016, CPS rape data from 2010–11 to 2015–16 was released with that of the police and MoJ 
for every police force area. The data was provided to Police and Crime Commissioners and 
local CJS agencies to analyse and scrutinise how rape is dealt with in their local area and 
address further improvements. 
- 
An internal audit of five RASSO units, undertaken by the Government Internal Audit Agency, 
led to recommendations for improvement in the areas of organisation and structure, skills, training and support which are being addressed in 2017–18.  
 
- 
A number of local initiatives have been identified as good practice throughout 2016–17, for 
example:  
 
o CPS Area Rape LSIPs addressed technology, communication with victims, support from 
ISVAs and cases within domestic abuse scenarios. 
o In rape cases some CPS Areas held Case Management Hearings or provided lawyers with 
individual feedback on their decisions. This improved the quality of decision-making.  
o CPSD, CPS North East and CPS North West developed clear escalation policies with the 
police to deal with non-compliance with their action plans. They also used IQA and spot 
reviews. This has improved timeliness and in turn maintained good performance.  
o CPS London developed the outline of a toolkit to address myths and stereotypes using 
expert evidence and built relationships through the local ISVA group. 
o CPS North West successfully used live links to obtain evidence from witnesses abroad. 
  
- 
The CPS will be contributing to a cross-government 'Deep Dive' exercise to identify ways to 
reduce attrition rates in cases of serious sexual offences. 
 
- 
The CPS will work with the Criminal Bar Association and Bar Council to ensure that essential 
CPS training required for the accreditation of external advocates is delivered.  
 
- 
Training on the handling of vulnerable witnesses will be delivered to all advocates dealing 
with serious sexual offences by the end of 2018. 
- 
A new face-to-face training course is being developed to support prosecution of acquaintance 
rape cases involving intoxicated victims.  
 
- 
Specialist Youth Training will be delivered in 2017–18 to all RASSO prosecutors including a 
specific section on RASSO youth cases. 
- 
Training on protecting victims of sexual offences by restricting evidence or questions about their previous sexual history (s.41 YJCEA 1999) will also be delivered. 
 
- 
The legal guidance will be updated to include details of the experience of male victims to help 
challenge myths and stereotypes and provide details of support services for male victims. In addition work is underway to improve the recording of the gender of victims. 
- 
The CPS will work with a leading consultant forensic psychiatrist to develop a psychological evidence toolkit for prosecutors. 
- 
There will be further development of the knowledge hub on the internal CPS Intranet site, for prosecutors to share casework examples and provide them with additional reference material to assist in case building. 
 
Rape data CPS data on successful rape prosecutions includes not only cases resulting in a conviction for rape, but also cases initially flagged as rape where a conviction was obtained for an alternative or lesser offence. The flag is applied to CPS files from the start of the case following an initial allegation of rape. This flag will remain in place even if the decision is taken to charge an offence other than rape, or where a rape charge is subsequently amended. This is for case management purposes to ensure that the principles of the rape and sexual offence policy are considered throughout the life of all relevant cases, The accuracy of flagging of cases stayed steady at 98.4% in 2016–17 compared with 98.8% in 2015–16. Data provided below relates to all rape defendants and victims, irrespective of gender, with further details of gender where available. Data reported here will overlap with that in the Child Abuse section of the report related to child sexual abuse as 45.0% of rape flagged prosecutions were perpetrated against children. 

The Ministry of Justice provides the official National Statistics39 on rape while CPS data is primarily collected for case management purposes to ensure that the principles of the rape and sexual offence policy are considered throughout the life of all relevant cases. It should be noted that there are important differences as to how rape offences are recorded between the different data systems. These differences include: MoJ data is on a calendar year basis, rather than financial year; data on offenders convicted for rape only includes cases where the final conviction was for a specific offence of rape. Cases initially charged as rape resulting in a conviction for an alternative charge such as a serious sexual assault, will be recorded for the alternative offence. It is not possible to separately identify such cases in MoJ figures. The differences in recording leads to CPS reporting a higher number of prosecutions than recorded in MoJ data. Further detail in respect of MoJ data and the differences between the datasets is provided in Annex 2 page B11. 

- 
The volume of rape referrals from the police fell from 6,855 in 2015–16 to 6,611 - a fall of 
244 referrals (3.6%).  
 
- 
The average number of days to charge in 2016–17 reached 67.3 days, from 52.7 days in the 
previous year40. However the number of cases submitted to the CPS for a pre-charge 
decision, where no advice had been given for a period between 28 days and 3 months, fell from 307 in April 2016 to 125 in March 2017. The number of cases submitted to the CPS for a 
pre-charge decision where no advice had been given for a period in excess of 3 months fell 
from 40 to one. This indicated that where CPS alone has responsibility for the delay in the 
charging process, improvements have been achieved. 
- 
3,671 defendants were charged, a fall in volume of 239 charged defendants (6.1%) from 3,910 in 2015–16. Of all police referrals, 55.5% were charged compared with 57.0% in 2015–
16. 
 
- 
The proportion of rape flagged cases, as a percentage of all indictable-only prosecutions, has 
risen year on year to 15.6% in 2016–17 from 13.2% in 2015–16.  
 

 
 2010–11 
 2011–12 
 2012–13 
 2013–14 
 2014–15 
 2015–16 
 2016–17 
CPS NATIONAL 
10.0% 
9.9% 
9.8% 
11.1% 
12.8% 
13.2% 
15.6% 
|              |        |       |        |       |        |      |        | 2010 - 11    | 2011 - 12    | 2012 - 13    |  2013–14    |  2014–15    |  2015–16    |  2016–17    |
|--------------|--------|-------|--------|-------|--------|------|--------|--------------|--------------|--------------|-------------|-------------|-------------|-------------|
|              | Volume | %     | Volume | %     | Volume | %    | Volume | %            | Volume       | %            | Volume      | %           | Volume      | %           |
| Convictions  | 2,465  | 58.6  | 2,414  | 62.5  | 2,333  | 63.2 | 2,348  | 60.3         | 2,581        | 56.9         | 2,689       | 57.9        | 2,991       | 57.6        |
| Unsuccessful | 1,743  | 41.4  | 1,450  | 37.5  | 1,359  | 36.8 | 1,543  | 39.7         | 1,955        | 43.1         | 1,954       | 42.1        | 2,199       | 42.4        |
| Total        | 4,208  |       |        |       |        |      |        |              |              |              |             |             |             |             |
|              |        |       |        |       |        |      |        |              |              |              |             |             |             |             |
| 3,864        |        |       |        |       |        |      |        |              |              |              |             |             |             |             |
|              |        |       |        |       |        |      |        |              |              |              |             |             |             |             |
| 3,692        |        |       |        |       |        |      |        |              |              |              |             |             |             |             |
|              |        |       |        |       |        |      |        |              |              |              |             |             |             |             |
| 3,891        |        |       |        |       |        |      |        |              |              |              |             |             |             |             |
|              |        |       |        |       |        |      |        |              |              |              |             |             |             |             |
| 4,536        |        | 4,643 |        | 5,190 |        |      |        |              |              |              |             |             |             |             |

 
- 
In 2016–1741 the number of prosecutions completed rose from 4,643 in 2015–16 to 5,190 - 
the highest volume ever recorded and a rise of 547 defendants (11.8%).  
 
- 
The volume of convictions rose from 2,689 convictions in 2015–16 to 2,991 in 2016–1742 - a 
rise of 302 (11.2%). This was the highest volume of convictions ever recorded.  
 
- 
The CPS rape conviction rate43 stayed steady at 57.6% in 2016-17 from 57.9% in 2015-16. This 
should be assessed against the significant rise in the volume of rape prosecutions and convictions. 
- 
Out of all the rape flagged defendants, 31% were also flagged as domestic abuse with 58.3% of defendants being convicted; 45.0% were also flagged as child abuse with 67.7% convicted.  
 
- 
Of the 309 offences of controlling or coercive behaviour charged and reached a first hearing, 
23 were flagged as rape cases (7.4%). There was at least one offence in every CPS Area. 
 
- 
Between 2007-0844 and 2016–17, conviction volumes have risen from 2,021 to 2,991, a rise 
of 970 convictions, and the highest volume since records began - a 48% rise over this nine 
year period. 
 
- 
Graph 9 illustrates the trend of CPS convictions, following an initial allegation of rape, over 
the past seven years. The rise in conviction rate from 2011–12, reaching the highest rate in 
2012–13, coincided with a fall in conviction volumes to the lowest level since 2009–10. 
 
- 
From CPS data 2016–17, 5,045 (98.9%) of cases initially flagged as rape were finally 
prosecuted for the principal offence45 categories of 'sexual offences, including rape' or more 
serious principal offences of 'homicides' or 'offences against the person'. Of these, 4,240 
were for sexual offences including rape; 17 for homicide and 788 for offences against the person.  
 
- 
There were 33.3% guilty pleas out of all rape cases prosecuted (57.7% of all successful 
outcomes), a fall from 35.0% in 2015–16. 46.3% out of all rape prosecutions contested at trial 
(excluding mixed pleas46) were successful, a rise from 45.6% in 2015–16.  
 
- 
Prosecutions dropped have fallen to the lowest level recorded, at 12.4% of all prosecuted 
rape cases, from 13.1% in the previous year. 
 
- 
Out of all unsuccessful outcomes, those due to victim issues47 remained steady at 16.8% in 
2016–17 (compared with 17.1% in 2015–16); of which 9.5% was due to victim retraction. Out 
of *all* rape flagged cases prosecuted, the proportion that was unsuccessful due to victim issues has stayed steady at 7.1% in 2016–17 (7.2% in 2015–16).  
- 
Out of all unsuccessful outcomes in rape flagged cases, the proportion due to jury acquittals48 
has risen slightly from 61.4% in 2015–16 to 62.3% in 2016–17.  
 The underlying data is provided in the linked annex at Underlying Data/Violence Against Women. The CPS Area and police force data is at Annex 1. 

 
Equalities issues Gender 
 

- 
Of the 5,190 defendants prosecuted, 5,118 defendants were male, 64 were female, and the 
gender was not recorded for eight defendants49. Where the gender of the defendant was 
recorded, 98.8% were male and 1.2% female50, similar to that recorded over the past five 
years. 
- 
For victim data, from the Witness Management System, 7,201 victims were recorded. Of all victims 4,657 were female, 754 were male and the gender was not recorded for 1,790 
victims. The recording of victim gender at 75.1%, although improved since 2015–16, is not 
robust enough to include gender proportions in this report. The volumes of both genders rose. In 2017–18 measures will be considered to ensure more robust recording of gender. 

## Ethnicity

- 
In 2016–17, 56.4% of defendants were categorised as White, of which 50.9% were identified 
as belonging to the White British category, 1.2ppt less than in the previous year51. 5.8% of 
defendants were identified as Asian - a fall of 1.5ppt from 2015–16, and 9.7% were identified 
as Black - a rise of 0.4ppt52. 61.3% of victim ethnicity is still not recorded, although improved 
from 2015–16; therefore the data is not included in this report. 

## Age

- 
From those defendants where age was recorded53, the majority of defendants were aged 25-
59 (59.9%) and 18-24 (21.3%). 29.6% of defendants (1,526) were aged 24 and under, with 
371(7.2%) of defendants being 14-17 years old and 54 (1%) aged 10-13.  
- 
For the first time the age of victims was robust enough to provide the proportions of victims 
by age. From those victims where age was recorded54, the largest groupings of victims were 
aged 25-59 (45.9%) and 18-24 (24.7%). 52.3% of victims (3,022) were aged 24 and under, 
with 1,059 (18.3%) of victims being 14-17 years old, 435 (7.5%) aged 10-13 and 103 (1.8%) 
under 10. Out of all the male victims there was a greater proportion under 14 years 
compared with female victims. Of all the female victims there was a greater proportion aged 
14-2455, compared with male victims. 

## Sexual Offences (Excluding Rape) Introduction In 2016–17, The Volume Of Prosecutions And Convictions Of Sexual Offences (Excluding Rape) Rose To The Highest Volumes Ever Recorded, With The Highest Conviction Rate. Summary Of Cps Activity

 
- 
During 2016 the use of pre-trial recorded cross-examination was piloted in Leeds, Liverpool 
and Kingston Crown Courts. This latest special measure, available under the Youth Evidence 
and Criminal Evidence Act 1999, is for particularly vulnerable victims56. This is especially 
helpful for victims of sexual offences who often find cross examination distressing. The recording is carried out as soon as possible after the alleged offence and shown as evidence at the trial, which reduces the stress and trauma for young or vulnerable victims. 
 
- 
The CPS is engaging with CJS partners to build on this work undertaken during 2016. The Government is committed to rolling out such arrangements across England and Wales during 2017–18. 
 
- 
CPS Area Sexual Offence LSIPs included addressing communication with victims and clearance of the public gallery. 
- 
The CPS is engaging with CJS partners to build on work undertaken during 2016 on the use of 
pre-trial recorded cross-examination of victims. 
 
- 
Legal guidance for prosecutors and the knowledge hub will be updated as in the Rape section 
of the report.  
 
Sexual offences (excluding rape) data CPS records do not include data relating to pre-charge decisions regarding sexual offences (excluding rape), as the principal offence category of 'sexual offences', which includes rape and all sexual offences, is only allocated to cases at the conclusion of prosecution proceedings57. Data provided below relates to all defendants of sexual offences (excluding rape), with further details of gender where available58. Data reported here will overlap with that in the Child Abuse section of the report related to child sexual abuse, as 37.5% of sexual offences are perpetrated against child victims. 

 

- 
The volume of sexual offences' prosecutions completed, excluding rape, rose from 11,995 in 
2015–16 to 13,490 in 2016–17 - a rise of 1,495 defendants (12.5%) - reaching the highest 
volume ever recorded.  
 
- 
Out of all the sexual offence defendants, excluding rape, 37.5% were also flagged as child 
abuse, with 78.3% convicted. 
 
- 
The proportion of CPS caseload attributed to sexual offences (excluding rape) rose from 
1.9%59 in 2015–16 to 2.3% in 2016–17.  

 
 2009–10 
 2010–11 
 2011–12 
 2012–13 
 2013–14 
 2014–15 
 2015–16 
 2016–17 
CPS NATIONAL 
0.8% 
0.9% 
0.9% 
1.0% 
1.2% 
1.5% 
1.9% 
2.3% 
|              |        |      |        |      |        |      |        | 2010 - 11    | 2011 - 12    | 2012 - 13    |  2013–14    |  2014–15    |  2015–16    |  2016–17    |
|--------------|--------|------|--------|------|--------|------|--------|--------------|--------------|--------------|-------------|-------------|-------------|-------------|
|              | Volume | %    | Volume | %    | Volume | %    | Volume | %            | Volume       | %            | Volume      | %           | Volume      | %           |
| Convictions  | 6,588  | 74.3 | 6,308  | 75.7 | 5,971  | 76.8 | 6,756  | 79.0         | 7,591        | 77.5         | 9,351       | 78.0        | 10,721      | 79.5        |
| Unsuccessful | 2,274  | 25.7 | 2,026  | 24.3 | 1,800  | 23.2 | 1,798  | 21.0         | 2,198        | 22.5         | 2,644       | 22.0        | 2,769       | 20.5        |
| Total        | 8,862  |      |        |      |        |      |        |              |              |              |             |             |             |             |
|              |        |      |        |      |        |      |        |              |              |              |             |             |             |             |
| 8,334        |        |      |        |      |        |      |        |              |              |              |             |             |             |             |
|              |        |      |        |      |        |      |        |              |              |              |             |             |             |             |
| 7,771        |        |      |        |      |        |      |        |              |              |              |             |             |             |             |
|              |        |      |        |      |        |      |        |              |              |              |             |             |             |             |
| 8,554        |        |      |        |      |        |      |        |              |              |              |             |             |             |             |
|              |        |      |        |      |        |      |        |              |              |              |             |             |             |             |
| 9,789        |        |      |        |      |        |      |        |              |              |              |             |             |             |             |
|              |        |      |        |      |        |      |        |              |              |              |             |             |             |             |
| 11,995       |        |      |        |      |        |      |        |              |              |              |             |             |             |             |
|              |        |      |        |      |        |      |        |              |              |              |             |             |             |             |
| 13,490       |        |      |        |      |        |      |        |              |              |              |             |             |             |             |

 
- 
The volume of convictions rose from 9,351, in 2015–16 to 10,721 in 2016–17 - a rise of 1,370 
(14.7%). The conviction rate increased from 78.0% in 2015–16 to 79.5% - the highest volume 
and rate ever recorded.  
 
- 
There were 68.2% guilty pleas out of all sexual offence prosecutions, excluding rape, (85.8% of all successful outcomes), a rise from 66.0% since 2015–16. 49.4% out of all prosecutions 
contested at trial (excluding mixed pleas60) were successful, also a rise from 48.8% since 
2015–16.  
 
- 
Prosecutions dropped have fallen to the lowest level recorded at 8.4% of all prosecuted cases, from 8.9% in the previous year. 
 
- 
Out of all unsuccessful outcomes, those due to victim issues remained steady at 14.3% in 
2016–17 (compared with 14.6% in 2015–16); of which 8.3% was due to victim retraction. 
 
- 
Out of all unsuccessful outcomes in sexual offences prosecutions, excluding rape, the 
proportion due to jury acquittals61 has fallen slightly from 45.0% in 2015–16 to 43.0% in 
2016–17.  
 
 The underlying data is provided in the linked annex at Underlying Data/Violence Against Women. The CPS Area and police force data is at Annex 1. 

 
Equalities issues Data on victims is extracted from the Witness Management Service which does not record data relating to the victims of sexual offences, other than rape. Gender 

- 
Of the 13,490 defendants prosecuted, 13,022 defendants were male, 432 were female and 
the gender was not recorded for 36 defendants. Where the gender of the defendant was 
recorded, 96.8% of defendants were male and 3.2% female62, a slight rise in female 
defendants compared with the previous five years. 

## Ethnicity

- 
In 2016–17, 59.1% of defendants prosecuted for a sexual offence were identified as belonging to the White British category and 65.2% were categorised as White (similar to 
2015–16)63. 5.9% of defendants were identified as Asian (0.7ppt fewer than the previous 
year) and 5.6% were identified as Black (the same as in the previous year). 

## Age

- 
From those defendants where age was recorded64, the majority of defendants were aged 25–
59 (67.6%) and 18-24 (15.9%). Just under a fifth of defendants (2,606) were aged 24 and 
under, with 3.1% of defendants (422) being 14-17 years old and 0.4% (49) aged 10–13 years 
old. 
# So-Called 'Honour-Based' Violence, Forced Marriage, And Female Genital Mutilation

## So-Called 'Honour-Based Violence' And Forced Marriage Introduction The First-Ever Joint Police/Cps Investigation And Prosecution Protocol For So-Called 'Honour-Based' Violence (Hbv) And Forced Marriage (Fm) Was Published In 2016. An Hbv And Fm Action Plan Was Developed For Implementation In 2017–18 And A Working Group Of Specialist Organisations Was Set Up To Oversee Its Delivery. There Was A Fall In Hbv And Fm Referrals, Charged Defendants And Prosecutions In 2016–17, With A Steady Volume Of Convictions. The Action Plan Aims To Improve Prosecution Outcomes In 2017–18 And The Support Provided To Victims And Witnesses. Summary Of Cps Activity On So-Called 'Honour-Based' Violence And Forced Marriage

- 
The Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) held a workshop in October 2016 with third sector experts to discuss the delivery of a HBV/FM action plan. A working group was set up to oversee the delivery of this, actions include: updating the CPS Legal Guidance; revising the list of CPS Area HBV and FM Leads; providing training and the development of a CPS 
communications strategy to support the prosecution of these crimes. 
- 
The CPS worked in partnership with the National Police Chiefs Council (NPCC) lead to develop a joint investigation and prosecution protocol for HBV and FM as recommended in the HMIC 
report65 inspection into the police response to HBV, FM and FGM. It was published in 
December 2016.  
 
- 
A number of local initiatives have been identified as good practice throughout 2016–17, for example: 
o In CPS Cymru/Wales the quarterly HBV leadership group addressed implementation of 
the HBV/FM protocol as well as the lack of referrals. 
o CPS East Midlands held an LSIP to discuss the challenges of prosecuting abuse within 
BAME communities, the impact of cultural/societal expectations on them, their 
vulnerabilities, the influence of faith communities and the CPS safeguarding responsibilities. 
o CPS North West are working with their HBV/FM Scrutiny Board to prepare a local 
protocol which will include screenshots to access CPS policy, local authority and police 
training materials and will be used by professionals as a guide to action to be taken. 
o In February 2017 CPS West Midlands participated in a HBV/FM conference led by the 
Office for Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC).  
 

- 
The HBV/FM action plan has been updated for 2017–18 to include updating legal guidance and training, including information on other Harmful Practices. 
 
- 
Legal guidance, training and case studies for prosecutors will be updated to include details of 
the experience of male victims to help challenge myths and stereotypes and provide details 
of any support services for male victims. 
- 
The working group will monitor the delivery of the action plan including the impact of the HBV and FM protocol through a quarterly return from CPS Areas and through the bi-Annual 
VAWG Assurance scheme.  
So-called 'honour-based' violence data 
 
CPS Areas prosecuting the greatest number of HBV and FM prosecutions were London, the North West, the South East, Thames and Chiltern and the West Midlands. The data below relates to all cases flagged as so-called 'honour-based' violence. It relates to all defendants and victims, irrespective of gender, with further details of gender where available. The small number of cases indicates the need for caution in interpreting this data in relation to these offences. 

- 
The volume of referrals from the police of flagged HBV-related offences fell from 216 in 
2015–16 to 200 in 2016–17. 136 were charged (68.0%), a fall from 145 in 2015–16. More 
than 90% were flagged as DA. 

|              |        |      |        |      |        |      | 2011–12    | 2012 - 13    |  2013–14    |  2014–15    |  2015–16    |  2016–17    |
|--------------|--------|------|--------|------|--------|------|------------|--------------|-------------|-------------|-------------|-------------|
|              | Volume | %    | Volume | %    | Volume | %    | Volume     | %            | Volume      | %           | Volume      | %           |
| Convictions  | 86     | 50.0 | 126    | 63.0 | 123    | 59.7 | 129        | 57.3%        | 91          | 50.0        | 90          | 52.6%       |
| Unsuccessful | 86     | 50.0 | 74     | 37.0 | 83     | 40.3 | 96         | 42.7%        | 91          | 50.0        | 81          | 47.4%       |
| Total        | 172    |      |        |      |        |      |            |              |             |             |             |             |
|              |        |      |        |      |        |      |            |              |             |             |             |             |
| 200          |        |      |        |      |        |      |            |              |             |             |             |             |
|              |        |      |        |      |        |      |            |              |             |             |             |             |
| 206          |        |      |        |      |        |      |            |              |             |             |             |             |
|              |        |      |        |      |        |      |            |              |             |             |             |             |
| 225          |        |      |        |      |        |      |            |              |             |             |             |             |
|              |        |      |        |      |        |      |            |              |             |             |             |             |
| 182          |        |      |        |      |        |      |            |              |             |             |             |             |
|              |        |      |        |      |        |      |            |              |             |             |             |             |
| 171          |        |      |        |      |        |      |            |              |             |             |             |             |

 
- 
 The volume of prosecutions completed fell from 182 in 2015–16 to 171 in 2016–17. Of the 
171 defendants prosecuted, 147 defendants were male (86.0%) and 23 defendants were 
female (13.5%), with the gender of one defendant not recorded.  
 
- 
171 victims were recorded in the Witness Management System. Of all victims, 93 were 
female, 36 were male and the gender of 42 victims was not recorded. 75.4% of victim gender was recorded in 2016–17 - a fall from the previous year of 82.0%. This is not robust enough 
to include gender proportions in this report. 
 
- 
The volume of conviction stayed steady - 91 in 2015–16 and 90 in 2016–17. 52.6% of 
prosecutions resulted in a conviction, a slight rise from 50.0% in 2015–16.  
 
- 
Prosecutions dropped fell from 66 in 2015–16 to 61 in 2016–17.  
 
  
 
- 
There was a similar number of unsuccessful outcomes due to victim issues (42 in 2015–16 
and 41 in 2016–17).  
 
Forced marriage data The data below includes all cases flagged as 'forced marriage' and not just those related to the new forced marriage legislation introduced in 2014. Data provided below relates to all defendants and victims, irrespective of gender, with further details of gender where available. The small number of cases indicates the need for caution in interpreting this data in relation to these offences. 

- 
The volume of FM referrals from the police fell from 90 in 2015–16 to 56 in 2016–17. 36 of 
these referrals were charged, a fall from 56 in 2015–16. All cases of FM were flagged as FM 
and DA in 2016–1766. 
 
- 
The volume of prosecutions completed fell from 53 in 2015–16 to 44 in 2016–17.  
 
- 
There were 41 male defendants and three female; there were 29 female victims and five 
male (with unrecorded gender for ten victims).  

|              |        |       |        |       |        |       | 2011 - 12    | 2012 - 13    |  2013–14    |  2014–15    |  2015–16    |  2016–17    |
|--------------|--------|-------|--------|-------|--------|-------|--------------|--------------|-------------|-------------|-------------|-------------|
|              | Volume | %     | Volume | %     | Volume | %     | Volume       | %            | Volume      | %           | Volume      | %           |
| Convictions  | 23     | 54.8% | 29     | 70.7% | 32     | 71.1% | 29           | 63.0%        | 32          | 60.4%       | 32          | 72.7%       |
| Unsuccessful | 19     | 45.2% | 12     | 29.3% | 13     | 28.9% | 17           | 37.0%        | 21          | 39.6%       | 12          | 27.3%       |
| Total        | 42     |       |        |       |        |       |              |              |             |             |             |             |
|              |        |       |        |       |        |       |              |              |             |             |             |             |
| 41           |        |       |        |       |        |       |              |              |             |             |             |             |
|              |        |       |        |       |        |       |              |              |             |             |             |             |
| 45           |        |       |        |       |        |       |              |              |             |             |             |             |
|              |        |       |        |       |        |       |              |              |             |             |             |             |
| 46           |        |       |        |       |        |       |              |              |             |             |             |             |
|              |        |       |        |       |        |       |              |              |             |             |             |             |
| 53           |        |       |        |       |        |       |              |              |             |             |             |             |
|              |        |       |        |       |        |       |              |              |             |             |             |             |
| 44           |        |       |        |       |        |       |              |              |             |             |             |             |

 
- 
32 prosecutions67 were successful (the same as in 2015–16), with a rise in conviction rate 
from 60.4% in 2015–16 to 72.7% in 2016–17.  
 
- 
Prosecutions dropped fell from 15 cases in 2015–16 to ten in 2016–17. 
 
- 
Out of all unsuccessful outcomes, those due to victim issues fell from 14 cases in 2015–16 to 
six cases in 2016–17.  
 
- 
There was only one defendant prosecuted for the specific offence of forced marriage under s.121 of the Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014. 
 
- 
There were eight defendants prosecuted for a breach of a Forced Marriage Protection Order 
(FMPO). 

## Summary Of Cps Activity On Fgm

- 
There are lead FGM prosecutors for each CPS Area who provided early investigative advice to the police following reports and were involved in local training and safeguarding events, to support community engagement.  
 
- 
Whilst mandatory reporting by front line professionals has not resulted in a significant increase in cases being investigated and referred for prosecution, they have led to safeguarding measures being put in place with families and/or FGM Protection Orders being 
granted as preventative measures. These provisions are being used effectively to support safeguarding of girls identified as being at risk. 
- 
We have strong links with health professionals - Royal College Midwives and Royal College of 
Gynaecologists - to ensure we reflect medical expert opinion and we provide input into 
medical guidelines. The FGM policy lead has given a number of presentations at public health 
events to explain the law and to reinforce the role they play in reporting. 
 
- 
A number of local initiatives have been identified as good practice throughout 2016–17, for 
example:  
o CPS Cymru/Wales organised a stand at Cardiff airport during holiday times , with the 
support of the airport and Uk Border Forces. Awareness events were organised at 'checkin' to raise awareness of FGM, with excellent feedback from travellers including midwives and teachers. 
o CPS Cymru/Wales also developed a video with youth groups, health services and BAME 
women's groups winning a Midwifery award in 2017. 
o CPS East Midlands organised FGM events with partners. 
o CPS North West devised a local protocol with professionals and NGOs. o CPS North West also presented at community engagement events at Lancashire Police 
HQ "Out of the Shadows"; contributed to panel member sessions and supported presentations by the PCC. 
o CPS North East met with paediatricians to discuss the law and some of the challenges 
faced by them in children they encounter.  
o CPS Mersey Cheshire presented at an NHS-funded conference on FGM held in Cheshire. 
 
- 
The national joint CPS and Police protocol will be revised in 2017–18 to reflect: 
o notification and monitoring arrangements; o victim protection measures, including safeguarding and anonymity; 
o requirement for expert examination and evidence; and 
o FGM Protection Orders. 
 
- 
Legal and policy guidance on the approach to be taken in cases of female genital cosmetic surgery are being developed. 

## Child Abuse Introduction In 2016–17 Cps Worked With Cjs Partners To Address Improvements In The Prosecutions Of Child Abuse Cases, Including Child Sexual Abuse (Csa). This Led To The Highest Volumes Of Child Abuse Referrals And Defendants Charged. Child Abuse And Child Sexual Abuse Prosecutions And Convictions Reached The Highest Volumes Ever Recorded. Summary Of Cps Activity

- 
The CPS continued to play a central role in the Home Office-led cross government strategy to 
respond to sexual violence against children. This included: 
o Engaging with government stakeholders on the development of a strategy to safeguard 
vulnerable 16 and 17 year olds. 
o Supporting the young witness initiative to expedite cases involving child witnesses under 
the age of 10 years.  
 
- 
The CPS network of child sexual abuse specialists, comprising of representatives from each CPS Area and specialist divisions, served as a source of expertise, guidance and good practice 
for colleagues dealing with child sexual abuse cases, both locally and nationally.  
 
- 
During 2016 membership of the Rape and Child Sexual Abuse Panel was renewed. Only 
specialist in-house advocates or counsel who have been selected to join the Panel, are 
instructed to appear in court on behalf of the CPS in these cases. 
 
- 
The CPS published revised guidelines for prosecuting indecent images of children (IIOC). Updates were also provided on Section 176 of the Policing and Crime Act 2017, revising the 
definition of child sexual exploitation. Both are outlined in the pornography section of this report.  
 
- 
The CPS is part of the Home Office Board to oversee the activity and progress of the Centre of 
Expertise (COE) on Child Sexual Abuse and Exploitation68. In spring 2017, CPS was involved in 
workshops scoping the scale and nature of abuse and exploring options for gathering information and data across government and NGOs.  
 
- 
The CPS is a core participant in five strands of the Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual 
Abuse. We have provided material and witness statements and engage with it on a regular basis. 
 
- 
The National Child Sexual Abuse Review Panel69 is a joint Police and CPS initiative. The panel 
considers whether an allegation of child sexual abuse should be reinvestigated by the police, or whether the prosecution decision should be reviewed by the CPS. Between 1 April 2016 and 31 March 2017, 51 referrals were received. 
 
                                                 
- 
Prosecutors have been encouraged to consider all available charges when considering a prosecution of gangs, including those which might be available under the Modern Slavery Act 2015. These may be particularly appropriate where there has been deliberate targeting, 
recruitment and significant exploitation of young and vulnerable people.  
 
- 
A number of local initiatives have been identified as good practice throughout 2016–17, for 
example:  
o Child sexual exploitation partnerships were set up in CPS Cymru/Wales and CPS North 
West. 
o CPS London is involved in the development of the Children's House70, for opening in 
2018. 
 
- 
The internal CSA group will continue to meet on a quarterly basis bringing together CPS area leads to discuss best practice and emerging issues, such as internet vigilantes.  
 
- 
A stakeholder forum on child sexual abuse will be considered which will include addressing issues related to boys as well as girls. 
 
- 
The legal guidance on child sexual abuse will be updated in 2017 to include: 
o internet vigilantes and child sexual abuse cases, which arise out of the on-line grooming 
of children;  
o sexual communications with a child; 
o amendments to the definition of Child Sexual Exploitation to include streaming or 
otherwise transmitting an image of a child. 
 
- 
Work is also underway looking at the introduction of the streamlined forensic approach to low level IIOC offences and the sharing of best practice. 
 
- 
The Sentencing Council has published overarching principles and offence specific guidelines for sexual offences: *Sentencing Children and Young People*. These came into effect from June 
2017. 
 
- 
The CPS will continue to work with the Centre of Expertise to further explore child sexual 
abuse and exploitation issues to help further improve prosecutions. 
 
- 
Any updates of legal guidance, training and case studies for prosecutors will include details of the experience of male victims to help challenge myths and stereotypes and provide details 
of any support services for male victims. 
 
- 
A Youth RASSO module has been distributed to CPS Areas for training of RASSO staff in relation to specific issues involving Youths in RASSO cases. 

## Child Abuse Data Prosecutors Are Required To Flag All Cases Of Child Abuse; With Those Of Csa Being Identified According To Any Sexual Offence Flagged As Child Abuse. Recent Reports Of Sexual Abuse That Occurred In The Past,

 
when the victim was under 18 years of age, are recorded as child sexual abuse, regardless of the age of the victim at the time the report is made. Data provided below relates to all child abuse defendants and victims, irrespective of gender, with further details of gender where available. Child sexual abuse data reported here will overlap with that in the Rape and Sexual Offence sections. 

- 
The volume of child abuse referrals from the police increased from 13,282 in 2015–16 to 
13,310 in 2016–17 - an increase of 28 referrals and the highest level ever recorded.  
 
- 
8,974 of these referrals were charged, the highest volume recorded, a rise of 85 defendants from 8,889 in 2015–16. 67.4% of referrals were charged, a slight rise from 66.9% in the 
previous year. 
 
- 
The volume of prosecutions completed rose from 11,130 in 2015–16 to 11,793 in 2016–17 - 
a rise of 663 (6.0%), reaching the highest volume recorded.  
 
- 
The volume of convictions in overall child abuse rose from 8,439 in 2015–16 to 8,999 in 
2016–17 - the highest volume ever recorded and a rise of 560 (6.6%) from the previous year. 
76.3% of prosecutions resulted in a conviction in 2015–16 a rise of 0.5ppt from the previous year and the highest rate recorded. 
 
- 
There were 37 homicides flagged as child abuse with 89.2% conviction rate; there were 3,213 offences against the persons flagged as child abuse with 72.6% conviction rate. 
 
- 
Child sexual abuse offence prosecutions71 completed in 2016–17 rose from 6,217 to 7,181 - a 
rise in volume of 964 (15.5%). Convictions rose from 4,643 to 5,374, also the highest volume ever recorded and a rise of 731 (15.7%), alongside a steady conviction rate of 74.8% in 2016–
17.  
 
- 
2,122 (29.6%) of child sexual abuse offence prosecutions were flagged as both child abuse 
and rape. Of these prosecutions, a conviction was obtained in 1,412 cases - the highest volume ever recorded and representing a 66.5% conviction rate.  
 
- 
Of the child sexual abuse offence prosecutions where the rape flag was not applied, (5,059 or 70.4%), a conviction was obtained in 3,962 cases - the highest volume ever recorded and 
representing a 78.3% conviction rate. 

|              |        |       |        |       |        |       |        | 2010 - 11    | 2011 - 12    | 2012 - 13    |  2013–14    |  2014–15    |  2015–16    |  2016–17    |
|--------------|--------|-------|--------|-------|--------|-------|--------|--------------|--------------|--------------|-------------|-------------|-------------|-------------|
|              | Volume | %     | Volume | %     | Volume | %     | Volume | %            | Volume       | %            | Volume      | %           | Volume      | %           |
| Convictions  | 6,855  | 74.2% | 6,444  | 75.1% | 5,755  | 76.1% | 6,096  | 76.2%        | 7,469        | 74.4%        | 8,439       | 75.8%       | 8,999       | 76.3%       |
| Unsuccessful | 2,380  | 25.8% | 2,137  | 24.9% | 1,803  | 23.9% | 1,902  | 23.8%        | 2,576        | 25.6%        | 2,691       | 24.2%       | 2,794       | 23.7%       |
| Total        | 9,235  |       | 8,581  |       | 7,558  |       | 7,998  |              | 10,045       |              | 11,130      |             | 11,793      |             |

 
  
 

|              |        |       |        |       |        |       |        | 2010 - 11    | 2011 - 12    | 2012 - 13    |  2013–14    |  2014–15    |  2015–16    |  2016–17    |
|--------------|--------|-------|--------|-------|--------|-------|--------|--------------|--------------|--------------|-------------|-------------|-------------|-------------|
|              | Volume | %     | Volume | %     | Volume | %     | Volume | %            | Volume       | %            | Volume      | %           | Volume      | %           |
| Convictions  | 3,551  | 74.1% | 3,530  | 75.8% | 3,070  | 75.8% | 3,344  | 76.5%        | 3,975        | 73.8%        | 4,643       | 74.7%       | 5,374       | 74.8%       |
| Unsuccessful | 1,243  | 25.9% | 1,125  | 24.2% | 981    | 24.2% | 1,027  | 23.5%        | 1,412        | 26.2%        | 1,574       | 25.3%       | 1,807       | 25.2%       |
| Total        | 4,794  |       | 4,655  |       | 4,051  |       | 4,371  |              | 5,387        |              | 6,217       |             | 7,181       |             |

- 
The defendant was male in:  
o 90.6% of child abuse prosecutions (0.2% of defendants did not have gender recorded) 
o 56.8% of homicide prosecutions (21 out of 37) - the gender of all defendants was 
recorded;  
o 73.2% of offences against the person (2,346 out of 3,205 defendants where gender was 
recorded - 99.8% recorded); and  
o 98.1% of sexual offences (7,026 out of 7,163 defendants where gender was recorded - 
99.7% recorded). There were more male defendants than in 2015–16. 
 
- 
Victim data72, from the Witness Management System showed that 13,034 victims of child 
abuse were recorded - 7,441 were female and 2,559 were male (there were 3,034 victims 
where gender was not recorded). The recording of victim gender (at 76.7%) is not robust enough to include gender proportions in this report. 

## Human Trafficking And Modern Slavery Introduction The Cps Is Working With A Range Of Investigative, Prosecutorial And Governmental Partners To Improve The Domestic And International Response To Modern Slavery In Support Of The Prime Minister'S Modern Slavery Task Force.

 
The CPS International Justice and Organised Crime Division provide capacity building support in priority countries (including the 2016–17 deployment of a Criminal Justice Advisor to Nigeria). The CPS Proceeds of Crime Division restrains, confiscates and realises the assets of those convicted of modern slavery offences. Prosecutors assist international colleagues to enforce assets on behalf of the CPS, through asset sharing agreements, as well as helping them develop their own capacity for asset recovery. This is important in ensuring that assets are confiscated to support reparation orders for victims. In 2016–17 the volume of referrals rose to the highest ever recorded, with a steady volume of charged defendants and completed prosecutions. The volume and rate of convictions fell slightly. 

Summary of CPS activity 
 

- 
A network of over 30 Specialist Prosecutors, based overseas, continued to help improve mutual legal assistance and extradition co-operation. They worked with authorities in those 
countries to improve their local capability to counter serious crime affecting the UK. 
 
- 
The CPS criminal justice advisors, based overseas on Organised Immigration Crime Taskforce, 
assisted with casework and investigations, effectively disrupting trafficking cases.  
 
- 
The CPS continues to provide resources on modern slavery to support prosecutors and share 
good practice on the CPS online knowledge hub.  
 
- 
The CPS participated in 18 national and local law enforcement training events during 2016–
17 to improve the knowledge of powers and legislation, share best practice and help drive up case referrals.  
 
- 
Police and prosecutors also worked closely with law enforcement and prosecutors overseas in Joint Investigation Teams (JITs) which resulted in prosecutions not only in the UK, but also in other countries - often the source countries - which will not be reflected in CPS data.  
 
- 
The CPS continued to work closely with prosecutors, officials and national policing leads from Northern Ireland and Scotland to ensure a consistent approach and a more robust UK prosecution response in these cases. The UK participated in a significant number of joint investigations for trafficking within the EU. 
 
- 
Slavery and Trafficking Prevention Orders and Risk Orders, which were introduced in the Modern Slavery Act, were used increasingly and effectively against convicted defendants. They were extended in some cases to restrictions overseas where defendants continued to pose risks on deportation. 
- 
A number of local initiatives have been identified as good practice throughout 2016–17, for 
example:  
o CPS Cymru-Wales is part of the Wales leadership group linking to the NCA and Home 
Office. CPS Cymru-Wales also chairs the Modern Slavery training group. 
o CPS East Midlands successfully prosecuted a large scale human trafficking case with 
multiple victims. 
- 
National mandatory training on modern slavery for designated prosecutors working in Complex Casework Units is being developed, to build further resilience. 
 
- 
A national Police/CPS Modern Slavery Joint Investigation Team meeting is being held in 
September 2017 involving Europol, Eurojust and Romanian Authorities. 
 
- 
Legal guidance, training and case studies for prosecutors will be updated to include details of the experience of male victims to help challenge myths and stereotypes and provide details 
of support services for male victims. 
 
- 
The CPS has a significant role to play in supporting victims who are giving evidence in trials, many of whom have extreme vulnerabilities. Pre-recorded cross-examination of victims of 
trafficking and slavery (s.28 YJCEA 1999) is to be piloted in three pilot sites of Liverpool, Leeds 
and Kingston from September 2017. 
Human trafficking and modern slavery data The small number of cases indicates the need for caution in interpreting this data in relation to these offences. 

- 
The volume of human trafficking referrals from the police rose from 246 in 2015–16 to 271 in 
2016–17, the highest volume ever recorded. 188 (69.4%), of these referrals were charged; similar to the previous year where 189 referrals were charged, however a fall from 76.8% 
charged.  
 
 
- 
The volume of human trafficking prosecutions completed in 2016–17 stayed steady at 295 as 
in 2015–16. 
 
- 
Of the 295 defendants prosecuted, 251 defendants were male, 44 defendants were female. All gender of defendants was recorded. 85.1% were male and 14.9% female. The majority of 
defendants (68.8%) were aged 25-59 years. 
 
- 
In respect of data extracted from the WMS, 232 victims were recorded. Of all victims, 91 
were female, 47 were male and the gender of 94 was not recorded. The recording of victim 
gender at 59.5% was not robust enough to include gender proportions in this report. Data from the National Referral Mechanism is provided below to add further information on the gender patterns of potential victims. 
 
- 
The volume of human trafficking convictions fell from 192 in 2015–16 to 181 in 2016–17. The 
conviction rate fell from 65.1% to 61.4% over the same period.  
 
- 
Convictions after contest (exclusive of mixed pleas) fell from 62.0% in 2015–16 to 56.0%. 
 

- 
65 cases (22.0%) were unsuccessful due to a prosecution being dropped. There was a rise in unsuccessful outcomes due to victim issues (from 31.1% in 2015–16 to 43.9% in 2016–17). 
 
- 
As cases often involve multi-defendants and numerous victims, any spikes in casework trends 
could be attributed to one or two substantial cases involving significant numbers of defendants/victims.  

|              |        |    |        |    |        |     |        | 2010 - 11    | 2011 - 12    | 2012 - 13    |  2013–14    |  2014–15    |  2015–16    |  2016–17    |
|--------------|--------|----|--------|----|--------|-----|--------|--------------|--------------|--------------|-------------|-------------|-------------|-------------|
|              | Volume | %  | Volume | %  | Volume | %   | Volume | %            | Volume       | %            | Volume      | %           | Volume      | %           |
| Convictions  |        |    |        |    |        |     |        |              |              |              |             |             |             |             |
| 73           | 70.9%  | 94 | 66.2%  | 99 | 71.2%  | 155 | 68.6%  | 130          | 69.5%        | 192          | 65.1%       | 181         | 61.4%       |             |
| Unsuccessful |        |    |        |    |        |     |        |              |              |              |             |             |             |             |
| 30           | 29.1%  | 48 | 33.8%  | 40 | 28.8%  | 71  | 31.4%  | 57           | 30.5%        | 103          | 34.9%       | 114         | 38.6%       |             |
| Total        |        |    |        |    |        |     |        |              |              |              |             |             |             |             |
| 103          |        |    |        |    |        |     |        |              |              |              |             |             |             |             |
|              |        |    |        |    |        |     |        |              |              |              |             |             |             |             |
| 142          |        |    |        |    |        |     |        |              |              |              |             |             |             |             |
|              |        |    |        |    |        |     |        |              |              |              |             |             |             |             |
| 139          |        |    |        |    |        |     |        |              |              |              |             |             |             |             |
|              |        |    |        |    |        |     |        |              |              |              |             |             |             |             |
| 226          |        |    |        |    |        |     |        |              |              |              |             |             |             |             |
|              |        |    |        |    |        |     |        |              |              |              |             |             |             |             |
| 187          |        |    |        |    |        |     |        |              |              |              |             |             |             |             |
|              |        |    |        |    |        |     |        |              |              |              |             |             |             |             |
| 295          |        |    |        |    |        |     |        |              |              |              |             |             |             |             |
|              |        |    |        |    |        |     |        |              |              |              |             |             |             |             |
| 295          |        |    |        |    |        |     |        |              |              |              |             |             |             |             |
|              |        |    |        |    |        |     |        |              |              |              |             |             |             |             |

- 
Table 13 below outlines human trafficking offences73, for which prosecutions were 
commenced, from 2010–11 to 2016–17. In 2016–17, in total there were 46 offences of labour 
exploitation74, similar to 49 the previous year and 162 offences of trafficking for sexual 
exploitation, ss.57, 58, 59, 59a, Sexual Offences Act 2003, a fall from 248 in the previous year. However the other offences in the table are linked to either labour exploitation or sexual 
exploitation.75 
 

 2010– 11 
 2011– 12 
 2012– 13 
 2013– 14 
 2014– 15 
 2015– 16 
 2016– 17 
21 
37 
26 
32 
60 
68 
29 
Asylum and Immigration (Treatment of Claimants, 
etc.) Act 2004 { 4 } 
Trafficking for labour and other exploitation 
0 
15 
20 
18 
31 
40 
23 
Coroners and Justice Act 2009 { 71 } 
To hold another in slavery or servitude or require them to perform forced or compulsory labour 
Modern Slavery Act 2015 { 1 } 
Slavery, servitude and forced or compulsory labour  
0 
0 
0 
0 
0 
9 
23 
Modern Slavery Act 2015 { 2 } 
Human trafficking  
0 
0 
0 
0 
0 
5 
73 
Modern Slavery Act 2015 { 4 } 
Committing an offence with intent to commit trafficking offence  0 
0 
0 
0 
0 
0 
0 
Sexual Offences Act 2003 { 57 } 
Trafficking into the UK for sexual exploitation 
41 
45 
24 
26 
41 
70 
17 
Sexual Offences Act 2003 { 58 } 
Trafficking within the UK for sexual exploitation 
55 
61 
16 
94 
31 
72 
105 
Sexual Offences Act 2003 { 59 } 
Trafficking out of the UK for sexual exploitation 
0 
7 
3 
8 
0 
9 
5 
0 
0 
0 
12 
13 
97 
35 
Sexual Offences Act 2003 { 59A } 
Trafficking into, out of and within the UK for sexual 
exploitation76 
TOTAL HUMAN TRAFFICKING OFFENCES 
117 
165 
89 
190 
176 
370 
312 
 

- 
For trends in trafficking, CPS also has access to the National Referral Mechanism (NRM) 
published data, based on potential victims77 referred to them. Data is available through the 
National Crime Agency website. This data also allows exploration of the gender of potential 
victims. 
 
The NRM in England and Wales received slightly more referrals of cases in 2016 with 1,844 female victims compared with 1,773 male victims. The data indicates differences in gender and trends under different types of claimed exploitation of trafficking and modern slavery: 

 
o From 2015 to 2016, labour exploitation of men and boys rose from 931 to 1254 potential 
victims (a rise of 34.7%). 
o From 2015 to 2016, sexual exploitation of women and girls rose from 946 to 1164 
potential victims (a rise of 23.0%); domestic servitude of women and girls fell from 314 to 
310 potential victims (a fall of 1.3%).78 
o Of 1,705 potential female victims, 86.5% were victims of sexual exploitation or domestic 
servitude.79 
o Of the 1,450 potential male victims 86.5% were victims of labour exploitation.80 
 
- 
Intelligence on the increasing numbers of potential victims referred through the NRM reveals 
that this is not necessarily reflective of an increase in the threat posed by Modern Slavery to 
the UK, but that there is better identification of victims referred. A large number of trafficking referrals into the NRM claim exploitation outside of the UK and therefore fall outside of our jurisdiction to prosecute. 

## Prostitution

 
Introduction The CPS charging practice is to tackle those who recruit others into prostitution for their own gain or someone else's, by charging offences of causing, inciting or controlling prostitution for gain, or trafficking for sexual exploitation. In addition to attracting significant sentences, these offences also provide opportunities for seizure of assets through Proceeds of Crime Act orders and the application of Trafficking Prevention Orders.  

For those offences which are summary only - loitering and soliciting, kerb crawling, paying for sexual services and advertising prostitution, the police retain the discretion not to arrest or report those suspected of committing an offence, or they can charge the offence without reference to a prosecutor, regardless of whether the suspect intends to plead guilty or not guilty.  

In 2016–17 the CPS prosecuted those who force others into prostitution, who exploit, abuse and harm them and our joint approach with the police, with the support of other agencies, was to help those involved in prostitution to develop routes out. 

 
Summary of CPS activity 

- 
The CPS continues to work closely with the NPCC Sex Workers Working Group in 
development of National Policing Sex Workers Strategy with the aim of addressing strategic enforcement but also protecting vulnerable sex workers. 
 
- 
During 2016–17 the VAWG External Consultation Group was consulted on revised legal 
guidance on prostitution. 
 
- 
A number of local initiatives have been identified as good practice throughout 2016–17, for 
example:  
o CPS Cymru/Wales is part of the Sex Worker Support group, they are involved in the 
Welsh government framework and in research in Swansea. 
 
- 
The revised Prostitution legal guidance will be published in 2017–18.  
- 
Legal guidance, training and case studies for prosecutors will be updated to include details of the experience of male victims to help challenge myths and stereotypes and provide details 
of support services for male victims. 

## Prostitution Data81

- 
In 2016–17 there were 99 prosecutions commenced for controlling prostitution compared to 100 in the previous year. The number of kerb crawling prosecutions commenced fell from 
153 to 148. Brothel keeping offences fell from 111 to 90. Prosecutions commenced for 
                                                 
offences of advertising prostitution (through distribution of cards in public places) fell from 37 to 25.  

- 
The number of prosecutions started that related to street prostitution fell from 163 to 127.  
 

A Control of prostitution 
 2010–11 
 2011–12 
 2012–13 
 2013–14 
 2014–15 
 2015–16 
 2016–17 
Sexual offences act (2003) {52} 
24 
19 
11 
9 
25 
13 
7 
Sexual offences act (2003) {53} 
87 
61 
39 
49 
58 
87 
92 
TOTAL 
111 
80 
50 
58 
83 
100 
99 


B Brothel keeping 
 2010–11 
 2011–12 
 2012–13 
 2013–14 
 2014–15 
 2015–16 
 2016–17 
Sexual offences act 1956 {33} 
48 
35 
31 
19 
19 
28 
24 
106 
92 
54 
31 
72 
75 
63 
Sexual offences act 1956 {33A of and schedule 2} Sexual offences act 1956 {34} 
0 
1 
2 
0 
1 
1 
1 
Sexual offences act {35(1)} 
3 
3 
1 
2 
2 
2 
1 
Sexual offences act {36} 
0 
2 
1 
3 
2 
3 
0 
40 
7 
8 
0 
3 
2 
1 
Sexual Offences Act 2003 {53A } TOTAL 
197 
140 
97 
55 
99 
111 
90 


C Kerb crawling 
 2010–11 
 2011–12 
 2012–13 
 2013–14 
 2014–15 
 2015–16 
 2016–17 
Sexual offences act 1985 {1(1)(a)} 
161 
7 
2 
0 
0 
0 
0 
Sexual offences act 1985 {1(1)(b)} 
5 
0 
0 
0 
0 
0 
0 
Sexual offences act 1985 {2(1)} 
38 
2 
1 
0 
0 
1 
0 
Sexual offences act 2003 {51A} 
123 
305 
230 
237 
227 
152 
148 
TOTAL 
327 
314 
233 
237 
227 
153 
148 


D Advertising prostitution 
 2010–11 
 2011–12 
 2012–13 
 2013–14 
 2014–15 
 2015–16 
 2016–17 
Criminal Justice and Police Act 2001 {46} 
331 
149 
80 
91 
37 
37 
25 
 
 
E Street Prostitution 
 2010–11 
 2011–12 
 2012–13 
 2013–14 
 2014–15 
 2015–16 
 2016–17 
Street Offences Act 1959 {1} 
586 
484 
396 
553 
456 
163 
127 

## Pornography And Obscenity

 
Introduction In 2016–17 offences related to child sexual abuse were streamlined to improve the efficiency of prosecutions. There was a rise in obscenity offences prosecuted, with a higher proportion of indecent or grossly offensive prosecutions related to domestic abuse. Prosecutions for disclosing private sexual images without consent and possession of an extreme pornographic image portraying rape/assault by penetration increased. 

 
Summary of CPS activity 
 

- 
The CPS published revised guidelines for prosecuting indecent images of children (IIOC) using the new Streamlined Forensic Reports, which in addition to improving the timelines of charging decisions, removed the need for lawyers and judges to view the images of children in certain cases, prior to sentence.  
 
- 
Section 176 of the Policing and Crime Act 2017 revised the definition of Child Sexual 
Exploitation set out in s.51 Sexual Offences Act 2003 to include situations where indecent 
images of a child are 'streamed or otherwise transmitted' as well as where they are recorded, 
making the offences more robust in the light of technological changes. 
- 
S.67 of the Serious Crime Act 2015 (Sexual Communication with a Child) came into force 
on 3 April 2017. This is an either-way offence carrying a maximum sentence of 2 years' 
imprisonment. The Act inserted a new section 15A (1) and (2) into the Sexual Offences Act 
2003. The communication, by e-mail, text message, written note or verbally, has to be 
sexual or intended to encourage the child to make a communication that is sexual. The 
circumstances must be that the adult does not reasonably believe the child to be aged 16 
years or over.  
- 
Any update of legal guidance, training and case studies for prosecutors will include details of the experience of male victims to help challenge myths and stereotypes and provide details of any support services for male victims. 
 

## Pornography And Obscenity Data82

- 
From 1 April 2016 the CPS, police and judiciary jointly adopted a new approach to the prosecution of indecent image offences in relation to certain offenders. The police use the 
Child Abuse Image Database (CAID) and provide a Streamline Forensic Report (SFR) setting out examples of images from each sentencing category (typically three). This still allows the Judge sufficient sentencing powers and information about the offending. It enables low risk cases to be progressed more quickly, meaning more offenders can be prosecuted in shorter time. Revised CPS legal guidance on IIOC was published in July 2016. 
  

- 
The number of offences fell from 22,545 in 2015–16 to 20,803 in 2016–17, a fall of 7.7%. The 
CPS is not de-prioritising prosecution of these offences, rather we are able to use fewer 
offences per defendant prosecution, following the revised guidelines relating to the 
streamlining of images in prosecutions. There was a rise in the prosecutions commenced of 
the offence of the possession of a prohibited photograph of a child. 
 
- 
Offence data is not available by gender of defendant or victim.  

|                                             |  2010–11    |  2011–12    |  2012–13    |  2013–14    |  2014–15    |  2015–16    |
|---------------------------------------------|-------------|-------------|-------------|-------------|-------------|-------------|
| Criminal Justice Act 1988 (160) -           |             |             |             |             |             |             |
| Possession                                  |             |             |             |             |             |             |
| of an indecent photograph of a child        |             |             |             |             |             |             |
|                                             |             |             |             |             |             |             |
| 4,543                                       | 3,885       | 3,849       | 4,265       | 4,820       | 5,248       | 5,141       |
| Coroners and Justice Act 2009 (62) -        |             |             |             |             |             |             |
| Possession of a prohibited image of a child |             |             |             |             |             |             |
|                                             |             |             |             |             |             |             |
| 83                                          |             |             |             |             |             |             |
|                                             |             |             |             |             |             |             |
| 21                                          | 179         | 394         | 534         | 631         | 625         | 971         |
| Sexual exploitation of children through     |             |             |             |             |             |             |
| photographs of which:                       |             |             |             |             |             |             |
| 16,851                                      | 15,599      | 14,694      | 15,574      | 16,129      | 16,672      | 14,691      |
| 15,768                                      | 14,570      | 13,596      | 14,443      | 14,518      | 14,930      | 13,324      |
| -                                           |             |             |             |             |             |             |
|                                             |             |             |             |             |             |             |
| Protection of Children Act 1978             |             |             |             |             |             |             |
| (1 (1)(a)) -                                |             |             |             |             |             |             |
| Making an indecent                          |             |             |             |             |             |             |
| photograph of a child                       |             |             |             |             |             |             |
|                                             |             |             |             |             |             |             |
| 670                                         | 695         | 803         | 907         | 1,318       | 1,422       | 1,155       |
| -                                           |             |             |             |             |             |             |
|                                             |             |             |             |             |             |             |
| Protection of Children Act 1978             |             |             |             |             |             |             |
| (1 (1)(b)) -                                |             |             |             |             |             |             |
| Distributing an indecent                    |             |             |             |             |             |             |
| photograph of a child                       |             |             |             |             |             |             |
|                                             |             |             |             |             |             |             |
| 410                                         | 333         | 294         | 224         | 292         | 319         | 209         |
| -                                           |             |             |             |             |             |             |
|                                             |             |             |             |             |             |             |
| Protection of Children Act 1978             |             |             |             |             |             |             |
| (1 (1)(c)) -                                |             |             |             |             |             |             |
| Showing indecent                            |             |             |             |             |             |             |
| photographs of children                     |             |             |             |             |             |             |
|                                             |             |             |             |             |             |             |
| 3                                           | 1           | 1           | 0           | 1           | 1           | 3           |
| -                                           |             |             |             |             |             |             |
|                                             |             |             |             |             |             |             |
| Protection of Children Act 1978             |             |             |             |             |             |             |
| (1(1)(d))                                   |             |             |             |             |             |             |
| - publishing an advertisement               |             |             |             |             |             |             |
| likely to suggest that the advertiser       |             |             |             |             |             |             |
| distributes or shows indecent               |             |             |             |             |             |             |
| photographs of children                     |             |             |             |             |             |             |
|                                             |             |             |             |             |             |             |

 
Table 16 below outlines CPS data on obscenity offences. There was a rise of 16.0% in obscenity offences prosecuted from 6,940 in 2015–16 to 8,049 in 2016–17.  
 

|                                     |  2010–11    |  2011–12    | 2012 - 13    |  2013–14    |  2014–15    |  2015–16    |
|-------------------------------------|-------------|-------------|--------------|-------------|-------------|-------------|
| 1,273                               | 1,301       | 1,250       | 1,210        | 1,586       | 2,094       | 2,634       |
| Malicious Communications Act        |             |             |              |             |             |             |
| 1988 Sections (1 (1)(a) & (1)(b)) - |             |             |              |             |             |             |
| Indecent or grossly offensive       |             |             |              |             |             |             |
| material                            |             |             |              |             |             |             |
| Obscene publications Act 1959 (2    |             |             |              |             |             |             |
| (1) ) - Obscene publications        |             |             |              |             |             |             |
| 71                                  | 76          | 34          | 33           | 88          | 26          | 36          |
| 1,869                               | 1,924       | 1,909       | 1,190        | 1,680       | 2,026       | 2,227       |
| Communications Act 2003 (127        |             |             |              |             |             |             |
| (1)(a), (1)(b) & (3))Grossly        |             |             |              |             |             |             |
| offensive or indecent               |             |             |              |             |             |             |
| communications                      |             |             |              |             |             |             |

                                                 
83s.62 of the Coroners and Justice Act 2009 ('the Act') created a new offence of possession of a prohibited image of a child, punishable by up to three years' imprisonment. This offence came into force on the 6 April 2010. 

 
  
 

| 1,037                               | 1,181    | 1,003    | 936    | 864    | 848    | 734    |
|-------------------------------------|----------|----------|--------|--------|--------|--------|
| Communications Act 2003 (127        |          |          |        |        |        |        |
| (2)(a), (2)(b), (2)(c) and (3)) -   |          |          |        |        |        |        |
| Causing annoyance, inconvenience    |          |          |        |        |        |        |
| or needless anxiety to another      |          |          |        |        |        |        |
| person                              |          |          |        |        |        |        |
| 1,165                               | 1,319    | 1,312    | 1,395  | 1,564  | 1,737  | 1,929  |
| Criminal Justice and Immigration    |          |          |        |        |        |        |
| Act 2008 (63) - Possession of       |          |          |        |        |        |        |
| extreme pornographic images         |          |          |        |        |        |        |
| 84                                  |          |          |        |        |        |        |
|                                     |          |          |        |        |        |        |
|                                     |          |          |        |        | 3      | 24     |
| Criminal Justice and Immigration    |          |          |        |        |        |        |
| Act 2008 (63(1), (7A)) - Possess an |          |          |        |        |        |        |
| extreme pornographic image          |          |          |        |        |        |        |
| portraying rape/assault by          |          |          |        |        |        |        |
| penetration                         |          |          |        |        |        |        |
|                                     |          |          |        |        | 206    | 465    |
| Criminal Justice and Courts Act     |          |          |        |        |        |        |
| 2015 { 33(1) and (9) } - Disclose   |          |          |        |        |        |        |
| private sexual photographs and      |          |          |        |        |        |        |
| films with intent to cause distress |          |          |        |        |        |        |
|                                     |          |          |        |        |        |        |

- 
The majority of offences under the Malicious Communications Act 1988 (indecent or grossly offensive material) and Communication Act 2003 (grossly offensive or indecent 
communications) were DA-related (53.2% and 65.4% respectively).  

## Disclosing Private Sexual Images Without Consent

- 
There were 465 offences starting prosecution in 2016–17 of the criminal offence of disclosing 
private sexual photographs and films without the consent of an individual who appears in them, with intent to cause that individual distress. This was a rise from 205 in 2015–16. These 
cases involving so-called 'revenge pornography' may be considered under the social media 
legal guidelines85 which have been updated to reflect this new offence. The offence carries a 
maximum prison sentence of two years on conviction. 
 

## Possession Of An Extreme Pornographic Image Portraying Rape/Assault By Penetration

- 
There were 24 prosecutions commenced in relation to Criminal Justice and Immigration Act 2008 {63(1), (7A), the offence of possession of an extreme pornographic image portraying rape/assault by penetration in 2016–17; a rise from three in 2015–16. The offence was 
implemented in April 2015. 

## Paedophile Manuals

- 
From May 2015 s.69 of the Serious Crime Act 2015 created a new offence of possession of a paedophile manual, which is any item that contains advice or guidance about abusing children sexually, including grooming. 14 offences commenced prosecution in 2016–17, 
compared with one in the previous year. 
 
 
Annex 1 provides detailed data by CPS Area and police force areas on domestic abuse, rape and sexual offences.  
 
Annex 2 provides the MoJ data on stalking, harassment, restraining orders and Rape National Statistics to contextualise CPS data. 

 
The Glossaries provide definitions of terms used within the report and acronyms. 


## Annex 1: Prosecutions By Area

 
Data for the 13 CPS Areas will not fully align with the data for the constituent police forces as there will be a small number of cross-border prosecutions between Areas as well as data from the BTP. VAWG prosecutions by CPS Area: 

|                        |        | Convictions    | Unsuccessful    |
|------------------------|--------|----------------|-----------------|
| Volume                 | %      | Volume         | %               |
| Cymru Wales            | 5,598  | 75.6%          | 1,811           |
| East of England        | 5,902  | 78.6%          | 1,607           |
| East Midlands          | 6,682  | 77.8%          | 1,908           |
| London                 | 11,383 | 66.0%          | 5,871           |
| Merseyside & Cheshire  | 5,157  | 81.0%          | 1,213           |
| North East             | 4,609  | 74.3%          | 1,595           |
| North West             | 8,951  | 79.4%          | 2,323           |
| South East             | 5,068  | 74.6%          | 1,729           |
| South West             | 4,454  | 76.9%          | 1,341           |
| Thames & Chiltern      | 4,649  | 71.7%          | 1,836           |
| Wessex                 | 3,984  | 83.6%          | 783             |
| West Midlands          | 9,341  | 74.6%          | 3,177           |
| Yorkshire & Humberside | 8,787  | 77.8%          | 2,511           |
| Total                  | 84,565 | 75.3%          | 27,705          |

 

2016–17 
Total 
| VAWG prosecutions by police force areas   |             | 2016–17      |
|-------------------------------------------|-------------|--------------|
|                                           | Convictions | Unsuccessful |
| Total                                     |             |              |
| Volume                                    | %           | Volume       |
| Avon & Somerset                           | 2,229       | 76.4%        |
| Bedfordshire                              | 649         | 72.8%        |
| British Transport Police                  | 316         | 78.8%        |
| Cambridgeshire                            | 1,095       | 79.2%        |
| Cheshire                                  | 2,083       | 79.8%        |
| Cleveland                                 | 1,128       | 75.4%        |
| Cumbria                                   | 855         | 85.1%        |
| Derbyshire                                | 1,575       | 79.5%        |
| Devon & Cornwall                          | 1,666       | 78.6%        |
| Dorset                                    | 1,102       | 84.8%        |
| Durham                                    | 990         | 80.7%        |
| Dyfed-Powys                               | 600         | 78.9%        |
| Essex                                     | 2,572       | 76.7%        |
| Gloucestershire                           | 564         | 73.9%        |
| Greater Manchester                        | 5,609       | 79.0%        |
| Gwent                                     | 819         | 80.5%        |
| Hampshire                                 | 2,036       | 82.5%        |
| Hertfordshire                             | 1,353       | 74.4%        |
| Humberside                                | 1,573       | 82.5%        |
| Kent                                      | 2,390       | 74.5%        |
| Lancashire                                | 2,503       | 78.6%        |
| Leicestershire                            | 1,192       | 79.6%        |
| Lincolnshire                              | 1,102       | 79.6%        |
| London Police                             | 11,360      | 65.9%        |
| Merseyside                                | 3,065       | 81.7%        |
| Norfolk                                   | 1,309       | 80.4%        |
| Northamptonshire                          | 970         | 77.2%        |
| Northumbria                               | 2,487       | 71.6%        |
| North Wales                               | 1,244       | 78.2%        |
| North Yorkshire                           | 916         | 78.8%        |
| Nottinghamshire                           | 1,833       | 74.5%        |
| South Wales                               | 2,927       | 72.6%        |
| South Yorkshire                           | 1,886       | 73.7%        |
| Staffordshire                             | 1,820       | 73.0%        |
| Suffolk                                   | 934         | 81.0%        |
| Surrey                                    | 1,100       | 73.4%        |
| Sussex                                    | 1,570       | 75.4%        |
| Thames Valley                             | 2,643       | 70.2%        |
| Warwickshire                              | 625         | 78.7%        |
| West Mercia                               | 1,722       | 78.7%        |
| West Midlands                             | 4,867       | 73.2%        |
| West Yorkshire                            | 4,413       | 77.8%        |
| Wiltshire                                 | 867         | 84.9%        |
| Total                                     | 84,559      | 75.3%        |
 
| Convictions            | Unsuccessful    |
|------------------------|-----------------|
| Total                  |                 |
| Volume                 | %               |
| Cymru Wales            | 4,832           |
| East of England        | 4,972           |
| East Midlands          | 5,646           |
| London                 | 9,377           |
| Merseyside & Cheshire  | 4,471           |
| North East             | 3,866           |
| North West             | 7,484           |
| South East             | 4,218           |
| South West             | 3,607           |
| Thames & Chiltern      | 3,838           |
| Wessex                 | 3,299           |
| West Midlands          | 7,715           |
| Yorkshire & Humberside | 7,528           |
| Total                  | 70,853          |
| DA prosecutions by police force areas   |             | 2016–17      |
|-----------------------------------------|-------------|--------------|
|                                         | Convictions | Unsuccessful |
| Total                                   |             |              |
| Volume                                  | %           | Volume       |
| Avon & Somerset                         | 1,842       | 76.2%        |
| Bedfordshire                            | 533         | 73.7%        |
| British Transport Police                | 139         | 85.3%        |
| Cambridgeshire                          | 898         | 79.0%        |
| Cheshire                                | 1,813       | 81.3%        |
| Cleveland                               | 935         | 75.4%        |
| Cumbria                                 | 702         | 85.2%        |
| Derbyshire                              | 1,342       | 79.5%        |
| Devon & Cornwall                        | 1,301       | 78.2%        |
| Dorset                                  | 969         | 85.2%        |
| Durham                                  | 826         | 81.2%        |
| Dyfed-Powys                             | 522         | 81.7%        |
| Essex                                   | 2,226       | 76.8%        |
| Gloucestershire                         | 472         | 74.1%        |
| Greater Manchester                      | 4,731       | 80.1%        |
| Gwent                                   | 704         | 81.3%        |
| Hampshire                               | 1,630       | 82.7%        |
| Hertfordshire                           | 1,117       | 74.1%        |
| Humberside                              | 1,348       | 84.4%        |
| Kent                                    | 2,099       | 75.0%        |
| Lancashire                              | 2,062       | 78.6%        |
| Leicestershire                          | 995         | 80.6%        |
| Lincolnshire                            | 939         | 78.7%        |
| London Police                           | 9,360       | 65.6%        |
| Merseyside                              | 2,651       | 82.7%        |
| Norfolk                                 | 1,059       | 80.8%        |
| Northamptonshire                        | 774         | 76.6%        |
| Northumbria                             | 2,104       | 72.1%        |
| North Wales                             | 1,017       | 77.8%        |
| North Yorkshire                         | 726         | 79.2%        |
| Nottinghamshire                         | 1,591       | 74.2%        |
| South Wales                             | 2,584       | 72.8%        |
| South Yorkshire                         | 1,617       | 74.0%        |
| Staffordshire                           | 1,506       | 73.2%        |
| Suffolk                                 | 798         | 81.9%        |
| Surrey                                  | 895         | 74.3%        |
| Sussex                                  | 1,224       | 78.5%        |
| Thames Valley                           | 2,182       | 70.8%        |
| Warwickshire                            | 512         | 79.3%        |
| West Mercia                             | 1,352       | 79.4%        |
| West Midlands                           | 4,203       | 73.9%        |
| West Yorkshire                          | 3,836       | 78.2%        |
| Wiltshire                               | 717         | 85.4%        |
| Total                                   | 70,853      | 75.7%        |

Rape prosecutions by CPS Area: 
 

 
Convictions 
Unsuccessful 
Volume 
% 
Volume 
% 
Cymru Wales 
139 
55.4% 
112 
44.6% 
251 
East of England 
169 
61.5% 
106 
38.5% 
275 
East Midlands 
208 
65.0% 
112 
35.0% 
320 
London 
463 
54.7% 
383 
45.3% 
846 
Merseyside & Cheshire 
138 
56.8% 
105 
43.2% 
243 
North East 
156 
54.7% 
129 
45.3% 
285 
North West 
370 
61.6% 
231 
38.4% 
601 
South East 
232 
52.7% 
208 
47.3% 
440 
South West 
181 
61.1% 
115 
38.9% 
296 
Thames & Chiltern 
162 
53.5% 
141 
46.5% 
303 
Wessex 
133 
72.3% 
51 
27.7% 
184 
West Midlands 
345 
53.6% 
299 
46.4% 
644 
Yorkshire & Humberside 
295 
58.8% 
207 
41.2% 
502 
Total 
2,991 
57.6% 
2,199 
42.4% 
5,190 


Total 
Rape prosecutions by police force areas 2016–17 
 
Convictions 
Unsuccessful 
Total 
Volume 
% 
Volume 
% 
Avon & Somerset 
86 
59.3% 
59 
40.7% 
145 
Bedfordshire 
16 
42.1% 
22 
57.9% 
38 
British Transport Police 
2 
50.0% 
2 
50.0% 
4 
Cambridgeshire 
29 
61.7% 
18 
38.3% 
47 
Cheshire 
60 
54.5% 
50 
45.5% 
110 
Cleveland 
40 
59.7% 
27 
40.3% 
67 
Cumbria 
29 
76.3% 
9 
23.7% 
38 
Derbyshire 
49 
68.1% 
23 
31.9% 
72 
Devon & Cornwall 
78 
67.8% 
37 
32.2% 
115 
Dorset 
16 
69.6% 
7 
30.4% 
23 
Durham 
40 
63.5% 
23 
36.5% 
63 
Dyfed-Powys 
12 
35.3% 
22 
64.7% 
34 
Essex 
67 
59.8% 
45 
40.2% 
112 
Gloucestershire 
18 
47.4% 
20 
52.6% 
38 
Greater Manchester 
222 
58.7% 
156 
41.3% 
378 
Gwent 
18 
54.5% 
15 
45.5% 
33 
Hampshire 
76 
71.0% 
31 
29.0% 
107 
Hertfordshire 
42 
64.6% 
23 
35.4% 
65 
Humberside 
50 
52.6% 
45 
47.4% 
95 
Kent 
79 
55.6% 
63 
44.4% 
142 
Lancashire 
121 
64.7% 
66 
35.3% 
187 
Leicestershire 
33 
53.2% 
29 
46.8% 
62 
Lincolnshire 
32 
76.2% 
10 
23.8% 
42 
London Police 
462 
54.7% 
382 
45.3% 
844 
Merseyside 
78 
58.6% 
55 
41.4% 
133 
Norfolk 
46 
61.3% 
29 
38.7% 
75 
Northamptonshire 
37 
67.3% 
18 
32.7% 
55 
Northumbria 
75 
48.7% 
79 
51.3% 
154 
North Wales 
43 
61.4% 
27 
38.6% 
70 
North Yorkshire 
31 
66.0% 
16 
34.0% 
47 
Nottinghamshire 
54 
62.8% 
32 
37.2% 
86 
South Wales 
66 
57.9% 
48 
42.1% 
114 
South Yorkshire 
62 
52.5% 
56 
47.5% 
118 
Staffordshire 
55 
43.7% 
71 
56.3% 
126 
Suffolk 
27 
65.9% 
14 
34.1% 
41 
Surrey 
48 
51.1% 
46 
48.9% 
94 
Sussex 
105 
51.7% 
98 
48.3% 
203 
Thames Valley 
107 
52.5% 
97 
47.5% 
204 
Warwickshire 
29 
54.7% 
24 
45.3% 
53 
West Mercia 
85 
63.0% 
50 
37.0% 
135 
West Midlands 
174 
53.2% 
153 
46.8% 
327 
West Yorkshire 
153 
63.2% 
89 
36.8% 
242 
Wiltshire 
39 
75.0% 
13 
25.0% 
52 
Total 
2,991 
57.6% 
2,199 
42.4% 
5,190 

 
Sexual offence prosecutions by CPS Area: Data for the 13 CPS Areas will not fully align with the data for the constituent police forces as there will be a small number of cross-border prosecutions between Areas as well as data from the BTP. 

2016–17 
 
Convictions 
Unsuccessful 
Total 
Volume 
% 
Volume 
% 
Cymru Wales 
627 
79.2% 
165 
20.8% 
792 
East of England  
761 
82.6% 
160 
17.4% 
921 
East Midlands 
828 
83.2% 
167 
16.8% 
995 
London 
1,543 
72.7% 
579 
27.3% 
2,122 
Merseyside & Cheshire 
548 
80.1% 
136 
19.9% 
684 
North East 
587 
79.2% 
154 
20.8% 
741 
North West 
1,097 
82.4% 
235 
17.6% 
1,332 
South East 
618 
77.3% 
181 
22.7% 
799 
South West 
666 
84.1% 
126 
15.9% 
792 
Thames & Chiltern 
649 
75.3% 
213 
24.7% 
862 
Wessex 
552 
84.8% 
99 
15.2% 
651 
West Midlands 
1,281 
79.5% 
330 
20.5% 
1,611 
Yorkshire & Humberside 
964 
81.1% 
224 
18.9% 
1,188 
Total 
10,721 
79.5% 
2,769 
20.5% 
13,490 


Sexual offence prosecutions by police force areas 2016–17 
 
Convictions 
Unsuccessful 
Total 
Volume 
% 
Volume 
% 
Avon & Somerset 
301 
84.6% 
55 
15.4% 
356 
Bedfordshire 
100 
76.3% 
31 
23.7% 
131 
British Transport Police 
175 
74.8% 
59 
25.2% 
234 
Cambridgeshire 
168 
84.4% 
31 
15.6% 
199 
Cheshire 
210 
78.1% 
59 
21.9% 
269 
Cleveland 
153 
80.5% 
37 
19.5% 
190 
Cumbria 
124 
86.7% 
19 
13.3% 
143 
Derbyshire 
184 
82.9% 
38 
17.1% 
222 
Devon & Cornwall 
287 
83.9% 
55 
16.1% 
342 
Dorset 
117 
84.2% 
22 
15.8% 
139 
Durham 
124 
84.4% 
23 
15.6% 
147 
Dyfed-Powys 
66 
75.9% 
21 
24.1% 
87 
Essex 
279 
81.8% 
62 
18.2% 
341 
Gloucestershire 
74 
84.1% 
14 
15.9% 
88 
Greater Manchester 
656 
80.5% 
159 
19.5% 
815 
Gwent 
97 
81.5% 
22 
18.5% 
119 
Hampshire 
330 
84.6% 
60 
15.4% 
390 
Hertfordshire 
194 
78.5% 
53 
21.5% 
247 
Humberside 
175 
82.2% 
38 
17.8% 
213 
Kent 
212 
78.2% 
59 
21.8% 
271 
Lancashire 
320 
85.1% 
56 
14.9% 
376 
Leicestershire 
164 
82.0% 
36 
18.0% 
200 
Lincolnshire 
131 
87.3% 
19 
12.7% 
150 
London Police 
1,538 
72.6% 
579 
27.4% 
2,117 
Merseyside 
336 
81.6% 
76 
18.4% 
412 
Norfolk 
204 
84.3% 
38 
15.7% 
242 
Northamptonshire 
159 
82.8% 
33 
17.2% 
192 
Northumbria 
308 
76.6% 
94 
23.4% 
402 
North Wales 
184 
86.4% 
29 
13.6% 
213 
North Yorkshire 
159 
79.9% 
40 
20.1% 
199 
Nottinghamshire 
188 
81.7% 
42 
18.3% 
230 
South Wales 
277 
74.7% 
94 
25.3% 
371 
South Yorkshire 
207 
80.9% 
49 
19.1% 
256 
Staffordshire 
259 
83.5% 
51 
16.5% 
310 
Suffolk 
109 
79.0% 
29 
21.0% 
138 
Surrey 
157 
78.9% 
42 
21.1% 
199 
Sussex 
241 
75.3% 
79 
24.7% 
320 
Thames Valley 
354 
73.3% 
129 
26.7% 
483 
Warwickshire 
84 
88.4% 
11 
11.6% 
95 
West Mercia 
285 
81.2% 
66 
18.8% 
351 
West Midlands 
490 
77.4% 
143 
22.6% 
633 
West Yorkshire 
424 
81.1% 
99 
18.9% 
523 
Wiltshire 
111 
86.0% 
18 
14.0% 
129 
Total 
10,715 
79.5% 
2,769 
20.5% 
13,484 

## Stalking And Harassment, Restraining Orders And Breaches To Note: Cps Data Differs From That Of Moj In That:

- 
CPS data is for the financial year; MoJ data for the calendar year. 
 
- 
CPS data includes *all* offences *starting* a prosecution rather than completed. The data is by 
offence and does not provide data by defendant. There may be a number of offences carried out by each defendant. 
 
- 
MoJ statistics on restraining orders relate only to where defendants were issued restraining 
orders in relation to their principal offence. 
- 
MoJ statistics on breaches of restraining orders relate only to defendants prosecuted for such a breach as their principal offence. CPS data includes all offences starting a prosecution, not 
just those where the restraining order or breach relates to a principal offence. 
- 
MoJ offenders prosecuted data covers cases completed in Magistrates' Court in 2016, and therefore includes both completed and live cases in the Crown Court. 
 
- 
MoJ offenders convicted data covers those convicted in 2016, who may have been 
prosecuted in previous years. 
- 
MoJ conviction ratio is the number of defendants convicted divided by the number of defendants prosecuted (there may be some convictions in 2016 for cases that were prosecuted prior to 2016; and there will be some prosecutions in this data that are not yet 
completed at the Crown Court). 
 
Stalking and Harassment 
 
In 2016, the MoJ figures1,2,3,4 for England and Wales show that 6,678 defendants were prosecuted for s.2 of the Protection of Harassment Act 1997 (s.2 PHA) offences of harassment without violence, 
                                                 
2Every effort is made to ensure that the figures presented are accurate and complete. However, it is important to note that these data have been extracted from large administrative data systems generated by the courts and police forces. As a consequence, care should be taken to ensure data collection processes, and their inevitable limitations, are taken into account when those data are used. 

3The number of defendants found guilty in a particular year may differ from the group proceeded against if the proceedings in the magistrates' court took place in an earlier year and the defendants were found guilty at the Crown Court in the following year; or the defendants were found guilty of a different offence to that for which they were originally proceeded against. 

4Due to updates following quality assurance in the latest year, including the reclassification of some offences, pre-2016 
results may not match those previously published. 

compared with 7,243 in 2015. The conviction ratio5 has increased slightly since 2015, from 76% to 
80% in 2016. 912 defendants were prosecuted for s.4 PHA offences of harassment - putting people in fear of violence in 2016, compared with 1,176 in 2015; with 699 convicted, compared with 835 convicted in 
2015. The conviction ratio rose from 71% to 77%. 348 defendants were prosecuted for the s.2A PHA offences of pursuing a course of conduct which amounts to stalking with fear/alarm/distress in 2016, compared with 481 in 2015. 239 were convicted, compared with 335 convicted in 2015. The conviction ratio decreased slightly, from 70% to 69%. 38 defendants were prosecuted in 2016 under the s.4A PHA offences of stalking involving fear of violence, compared with 74 in 2015; with 25 convicted, compared with 45 in 2015. There was a rise in the conviction ratio to 66% compared with 61% in the previous year. 212 defendants were prosecuted in 2016 under the s.4A offences of stalking involving serious alarm or distress compared with 225 in 2015; with 148 convicted, compared with 149 in 2015. There was a rise in the conviction ratio to 70% compared with 66% in the previous year. 

Restraining orders and breaches 
 
 
MoJ figures6,7,8,9,10 show that in 2016, 23,132 restraining orders were issued on conviction in England and Wales (compared with 20,693 in 2015) and 2,117 were issued on acquittal (compared with 2,328 
in 2015). During 2016, there were 9,921 defendants prosecuted for breaches of restraining orders that had been imposed on conviction, with 8,953 convicted. This was an increase from 9,292 prosecutions and 8,395 convictions in 2015. There were also 358 defendants prosecuted for breaches of restraining orders issued following the acquittal of the defendant, with 277 convicted. This was an increase from 302 prosecutions and 236 convictions in 2015.  
 
There was a 90% conviction ratio11 across all prosecutions for breaches of restraining orders this year, remaining stable compared to 2015. 

                                                 

## Moj Rape National Statistics To Note: Cps Data Differs From That Of The Moj In That:

- 
CPS data is for the financial year; MoJ data for the calendar year. 
 
- 
CPS data is for completed prosecutions in 2016–17; MoJ defendants prosecuted data covers 
cases completed in Magistrates' Court in 2016, and therefore includes both completed and live cases in the Crown Court. 
- 
CPS convictions are for rape flagged cases convicted for rape, or for an alternative or lesser offence; MoJ offenders convicted covers only those convicted of rape in 2016, who may have been prosecuted in previous years. This  difference in recording leads to CPS reporting a higher number of prosecutions than that recorded in the MoJ data. 
 
- 
CPS conviction rate is the proportion of convictions out of completed rape flagged 
prosecutions in 2016–17; MoJ conviction ratio is the number of offenders convicted of rape 
in 2016 divided by the number of defendants prosecuted for rape in the same year (as defined in footnote 5). 
 National Statistics from the MoJ include the official statistics on defendants prosecuted for rape. 

These figures show that in the calendar year 2016 there were 3,716 defendants, on a principal offence basis,12,13,14,15,16 prosecuted for rape at Magistrates' Courts in England and Wales, with 3,510 
cases sent to the Crown Court for trial. This is slightly lower than in 2015 when 3,851 defendants were prosecuted. In 2016 there were 1,352 offenders convicted of rape in England and Wales, with a conviction ratio of 36%17. These figures are slightly higher than in 2015, when 1,297 were convicted; 
with a conviction ratio of 34%.  This ratio only compares numbers prosecuted for a principal offence of rape with numbers convicted of rape; some of those prosecuted for rape may go on to be convicted of other offences at the Crown Court18. MoJ prosecution data is where the hearing has been completed in the Magistrates' Court in 2016, and therefore includes both completed and live cases in the Crown Court. Almost 100% of defendants prosecuted and offenders convicted for rape were male19. 

## Timeliness From Charge To Trial

Overall data on the timeliness of rape cases from charge to completion, across England and Wales, has been provided from the MoJ from 2010–16. This revised data now includes cases over ten years and therefore has been updated since the CPS 2015–16 VAWG report. From the MoJ data, the timeliness from charge to completion appears to have risen slightly over the last few years.  
 
 
2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 

|                             |     |     |     |     |     |      |
|-----------------------------|-----|-----|-----|-----|-----|------|
| 213                         | 226 | 225 | 225 | 238 | 258 | 259  |
| MoJ data - Median           |     |     |     |     |     |      |
| 20                          |     |     |     |     |     |      |
| time in days from charge to |     |     |     |     |     |      |
| completion                  |     |     |     |     |     |      |
| 21                          |     |     |     |     |     |      |
|                             |     |     |     |     |     |      |
|                             |     |     |     |     |     |      |

 

## Glossary Of Terms Violence Against Women And Girls Strands Each Section Is Alphabetical Unless Stated Otherwise. Child Abuse: Any Criminal Offence Which Falls Within The Criteria Set Out In Working Together To Safeguard Children And Involves A Victim Under The Age Of 18.22

 
Child abuse includes physical, emotional and sexual criminal 
offences, as well as neglect, of a child. Such cases would normally include, for example: 
 
- 
parental assault where reasonable chastisement is not a defence; 

- 
sexual offences; 
- 
child homicides; 
- 
child cruelty, including neglect; 
- 
child prostitution; 
- 
harassment; 
- 
abandonment of a child; 
- 
forced marriage involving an under 18 year-old; 
- 
child pornography; 

- 
trafficked children; 
- 
familial abduction; and 
- 
historical child abuse where victim is now an adult. 

 Cases that would not normally be included: 
 

- 
motoring offences where the child has been injured or killed; 
- 
medical negligence; and 
- 
property offences. Domestic abuse: 
 
 
From April 2013:  
any incident or pattern of incidents of controlling, coercive or threatening behaviour, violence or abuse between those 
aged 16 or over who are or have been intimate partners or family members, regardless of gender or sexuality. This can encompass, but is not limited to, the following types of abuse: psychological; physical; sexual; financial; emotional. 
 
Controlling behaviour is: a range of acts designed to make a person subordinate and/or dependant by isolating them from sources of support, exploiting their resources and capacities 
for personal gain, depriving them of the means needed for independence, resistance and escape and regulating their everyday behaviour. Coercive behaviour is: an act or a pattern of acts of assaults, 
threats, humiliation and intimidation or other abuse that is used to harm, punish, or frighten their victim. Family members are defined as mother, father, son, daughter, brother, sister and grandparents whether directly related, in-laws or step-family. However this is not an 
exhaustive list and may also be extended to uncles, aunts, cousins et. 
This definition, which is not a legal definition, includes so 
called 'honour' based violence, FGM (FGM) and forced marriage, and is clear that victims are not confined to one gender or ethnic group. Forced marriage: 
 
The definition of forced marriage is: "A marriage without the 
consent of one or both parties and where duress is a factor". 
Duress is: "whether the mind of the applicant has been overborne, howsoever that was caused". Where forced marriage is within the family, and/or involves child abuse, and/or a young offender, then all appropriate flags must be 
applied.  

 The flag should be applied to any case where: 
 
- 
Offences under S121 of the Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime 
and Policing Act 2014 are considered at pre-charge 
decision or are charged; and 
- 
A breach of a Forced Marriage Protection Order under S120 of the Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 
2014 (S63CA Family Law Act 1996). 
 
The flag should be applied from the onset of the case, and will remain in place even if those charges are subsequently amended or dropped. If a case commences under a different offence but then changed to a forced marriage charge, the case should be flagged at that stage. In addition, the flag should also be applied where any offence of threatening behaviour, violence or abuse (psychological, physical, sexual, financial or emotional) that has been carried out in the context of a forced marriage, either: 

 
- 
to coerce a party/parties into marrying without their consent, which would be prosecuted under the specific offence committed, e.g. harassment, kidnap, threats to kill; or 

- 
after a forced marriage without the consent of one or both parties and where duress is a factor, which would be prosecuted under the specific offence e.g. rape, sexual assault 

 
So-called 'Honour-based' violence: 
The definition of so-called 'honour-based' violence to be 
used is the definition adopted by the Forced Marriage Unit at the Home Office: "So-called 'honour-based' violence is a 
crime or incident, which has or may have been committed to protect or defend the honour of the family and/or 
community". Any criminal offence of threatening behaviour, violence or abuse (psychological, physical, sexual, financial or emotional) 
committed as so-called 'honour crime' will be flagged as socalled 'honour-based' violence. Cases would be prosecuted 
for the specific offence committed, e.g. common assault, GBH, harassment, kidnap, rape, threats to kill, murder. Harmful practices: 
Harmful practices are forms of violence which have been committed primarily against women and girls, in certain communities and societies, without their 'consent', with a view to keeping women in submission, according to the norms of their communities. As with all forms of violence 
against women and girls, harmful traditional practices 
constitute a violation of human rights.  

 Human trafficking:  
The flag for human trafficking is applied to: 
- 
Offences flagged are Sexual Offences Act 2003 (ss.57, 58, 59 and 59A),  
- 
Asylum and Immigration [Treatment of Claimants] Act 2004 ss. 4(1), (2) and (3); and 
- 
Coroners and Justice Act 2009 s.71 
- 
Modern Slavery Act 2015 s.1 and s.2 
 

The flag is applied at the outset of the case and will remain in place even if those charges are subsequently amended or dropped. If a case commences under a different offence but is then changed to a trafficking charge, the case should be 
flagged at that stage. From April 2013: ss.57, 58 and 59 of the Sexual Offences Act 2003 were replaced by s.59A SOA ; and ss.4(1), (2) and (3) of the Asylum and Immigration [Treatment of Claimants] Act 2004; were repealed and replaced by s.4(1A) (1B) (1C) A&IA. 
Rape: 
Any defendant charged with one or more of the following offences: 
- 
s.1 Sexual Offences Act 1956 

- 
s.5 Sexual Offences Act 1956 

o An attempt to commit one of the above offences 
under the Criminal Attempts Act 1981 

- 
s.1 Sexual Offences Act 2003 
- 
s.5 Sexual Offences Act 2003 
- 
s.30(3) Sexual Offences act 2003 

o An attempt to commit one of the above offences 
under the Criminal Attempts Act 1981 
 
Incitement or conspiracy to commit any of the above offences Sexual offences exc. rape: 
Any defendant whose principal offence category, at 
finalisation, is a sexual offence excluding rape. Performance management terms Monitoring flags: 
Sensitive case types are identified using a number of monitoring flags, applied to relevant cases at the pre-charge 
stage. The flags allow managers to monitor proceedings during the life of the prosecution, and enable reporting of outcomes following the conclusion of the case. The data is 
accurate only to the extent that the flag has been correctly applied; there may be a small number of cases where the use of the flag has been omitted. Principal offences: 
Principal offence category: charged offences are allocated 
one of twelve offence categories to indicate the type and seriousness of the charges brought against the defendant. 
The Principal Offence Category indicates the most serious offence with which the defendant is charged at the time of finalisation. Where the nature of the charges alters during the life of a case, the Principal Offence at the time of 
finalisation may be different than would have seemed appropriate at an earlier stage of proceedings. In all such cases the Principal Offence category to be recorded is that which applies **at finalisation**, regardless of whether this is more serious, or less serious, than would have applied earlier 
in the life of the case. 
 
Where a defendant faces a mix of charges of which fall into different Principal Offence Categories, chose the most serious **according to the following order of priority:** Homicide: 
'Homicide' comprises a range of offences including - murder 
& attempted murder, manslaughter, infanticide, child destruction, conspiring or soliciting to commit murder and causing death by dangerous driving. Offences against the person: 
'Offences against the person' comprises a range of offences including - grievous bodily harm, assault occasioning actual 
 

 

bodily harm, common assault, possession of a firearm with intent to cause fear of violence and child abduction. Sexual offences: 
'Sexual Offences' comprises a range of offences including - 
rape, buggery, sexual assault, bigamy, procuration and gross 
indecency with a child. Criminal damage: 
'Criminal damage' includes offences of arson, criminal or malicious damage and arson or criminal damage endangering life. Public order offences: 
'Public Order Offences' includes offences of rioting, violent disorder and causing an affray.  
 
Case outcomes Pre-charge decisions: 
The Director's Guidance on charging (5th Edition) provides 
that the police may charge any Summary only offence (one 
that can only be dealt with in the Magistrates' Court) irrespective of plea and any either way offence (can be tried in either the Magistrates' Court or Crown Court) where a guilty plea is anticipated and it is suitable for sentence in the Magistrates' Court subject to certain exceptions such as DA, hate crime and a case involving a death. CPS prosecutors must make the charging decisions in all indictable only cases (those cases which can only be tried in the Crown Court), either way offences not suitable for Magistrates' Court and where a not guilty plea is anticipated Charged: 


Cases where the CPS' decision is to charge. The CPS is continually striving to improve the quality of data used in both internal and external reports. During the course of 2013–14, a revised method of reporting the outcomes of 
charging decisions was developed. The revised method has been used in this report which provides a more accurate figure for the percentage of defendant cases which proceeded to prosecution. For this reason, the data will differ from that reported prior to 2013–14. No prosecution: 
Whose cases where the CPS' decision is not to prosecute, for evidential or public interest reasons. Out of court disposal:  
Where a caution, conditional caution, reprimand or final warning has been given or where the offence has been taken into consideration in relation to other charges. Administrative Finalisation:  
The suspect has failed to answer to bail and a warrant is outstanding or the case has been finalised administratively 
for various reasons. Other:  


The outcome of the charging decision has not been 
recorded or is undefined. 


Prosecutions: 
All defendants charged or summonsed whose case was completed in Magistrates' or in the Crown Court during the 
period, including those proceeding to a trial or guilty plea, those discontinued and those which could not proceed. Contests inclusive of mixed pleas 
 (a) The Defendant enters at least one guilty plea to a set of 
Mixed Guilty/Not Guilty and Contest: 
 charges, and 
(b) a plea of not guilty to one or more charges, and 
(c) these pleas are not acceptable to the CPS, and (d) the matter proceeds to trial 
 
Contests exclusive of mixed pleas 
 (a) The Defendant enters only not guilty pleas, AND 
Not Guilty and Contest:  
 
(b) a trial takes place Unsuccessful outcomes: 
All completed prosecutions where the defendant is not convicted, comprising the following: 


Administrative finalisation: 
Ehen a prosecution cannot proceed because a defendant has failed to appear at court and a Bench Warrant has been issued for his or her arrest; or the defendant has died, or is found unfit to plead: or where proceedings are adjourned indefinitely. If a Bench Warrant is executed the case may be reopened. Discharged committals: 
committal proceedings in which the defendant is discharged. 
Following a discharge a case can be reinstituted. Discontinued and withdrawn: 
Consideration of the evidence and of the public interest may lead the CPS to discontinue proceedings at any time before the start of the trial. Included here are cases formally 
discontinued in advance of the hearing, those in which no evidence was offered, and those withdrawn at court. Also included are cases in which the defendant was bound over to keep the peace.  


Dismissed after full trial: 
cases in which the defendant pleads not guilty and proceedings are dismissed by the magistrates after hearing the defence case. Judge directed acquittal: 
Cases where at the close of the prosecution case against the defendant, a successful submission of 'no case' or 'unsafe' is made on behalf of the defendant, and the judge directs an acquittal rather than allow the case to be determined by the jury. Jury acquittal: 
When the defendant pleads not guilty and, following a trial, is acquitted by the jury. 


 No case to answer: 
Cases in which the defendant pleads not guilty and prosecution evidence is heard, but proceedings are dismissed by the magistrates without hearing the defence case. All other unsuccessful  
Comprising administrative finalisations, discharged 
outcomes: 
committals and no case to answer. Convictions: 
Cases where the defendant is convicted following a prosecution, comprising: Conviction after trial: 
Cases in which the defendant pleads not guilty, but is convicted after the evidence is heard. Guilty plea: 


Where the defendant pleads guilty. Proof in absence: 
these are lesser offences which are heard by the court in the absence of the defendant. Reasons for unsuccessful outcomes Acquittals after trial:  
 The defendant is found not guilty by the magistrates or jury 
after a contested hearing in which the defence is called on to present its case. (Cases dismissed, no case to answer or judge directed acquittals are not included). Victim evidence does 
The evidence of the victim of an offence does not support 
not support case: 
the prosecution of the defendant, leading to an unsuccessful outcome, but the victim however, has not retracted. 
 
(the 'reason title' was amended in April 2013 to: The evidence of the victim does not come up to proof, but there is no retraction). 
 
Victim non-attendance: 
The victim is called as a witness in a trial, but fails to attend court. Victim retraction: 
Where the evidence of the victim supports the prosecution case, the victim refuses to be called as a witness, or retracts, 
or withdraws a complaint. Conflict of evidence: 
Conflict of prosecution evidence (from April 2013 the guidance was amended to clarify that this reason is not to be used when the victim retracts, does not attend or their evidence does not come up to proof). Essential Legal Element Missing: 
Essential legal element missing (the 'reason title' was amended in April 2013 to 'Incorrect charging decision - legal 
element missing'; the updated guidance made it clear that this reason is not to be used when the victim retracts, does not attend or their evidence does not come up to proof). 

| Unreliable witness:                                            | Unreliable witness or witnesses (The 'reason title' was    |
|----------------------------------------------------------------|------------------------------------------------------------|
| Amended in April 2013 to: 'Key witness (non-victim) refuses to |                                                            |
| give evidence/retracts/not up to proof' to provide clarity).   |                                                            |
| Legal terminology                                              |                                                            |
|                                                                |                                                            |
| Hearsay:                                                       | Section 116(1) Criminal Justice Act 2003. In criminal      |
| proceedings a statement not made in oral evidence in the       |                                                            |
| proceedings is admissible as evidence of any matter stated if: |                                                            |
|                                                                |                                                            |
| (a) oral evidence given in the proceedings by the person who   |                                                            |
| made the statement would be admissible as evidence of that     |                                                            |
| matter,                                                        |                                                            |
| (b) the person who made the statement (the relevant            |                                                            |
| person) is identified to the court's satisfaction, and         |                                                            |
| (c) any of the five conditions mentioned in subsection (2) is  |                                                            |
| satisfied.                                                     |                                                            |
|                                                                |                                                            |
| Res gestae:                                                    | Any rule of law under which in criminal proceedings a      |
| statement is admissible as evidence of any matter stated if:   |                                                            |
|                                                                |                                                            |
| (a) the statement was made by a person so emotionally          |                                                            |
| overpowered by an event that the possibility of concoction     |                                                            |
| or distortion can be disregarded,                              |                                                            |
| (b) the statement accompanied an act which can be properly     |                                                            |
| evaluated as evidence only if considered in conjunction with   |                                                            |
| the statement, or                                              |                                                            |
| (c) the statement relates to a physical sensation or a mental  |                                                            |
| state (such as intention or emotion).                          |                                                            |

BME 


Black and Minority Ethnic 
CAMHS  


Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services 
CJA 


Criminal Justice Act 
CJS 


Criminal Justice System 
COE 


Centre of Expertise 
CMS 


Case Management System 
CPS 


Crown Prosecution Service 
CPSD 


Crown Prosecution Service Direct 
CSA 


Child Sexual Abuse 
CSE 


Child Sexual Exploitation 
DPP 


Director of Public Prosecutions 
DA 


Domestic Abuse 
ECG 


External Consultation Group 
FM 


Forced Marriage 
FGM 


Female Genital Mutilation 
HBV 


so-called 'Honour-Based' Violence 
HMCPSI 
Her Majesty's Crown Prosecution Service Inspectorate 
HMIC 


Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary 
HO 


Home Office 
ICEM 


Inclusion and Community Engagement managers  
IDVA 


Independent Domestic Abuse Adviser 
IQA 


Individual Quality Assessment 
ISVA  


Independent Sexual Violence Adviser 
MIS 


Management Information System  
MoJ 


Ministry of Justice 
NCA 


National Crime Agency 
NMO 


Non-Molestation Order  
NPCC 


National Police Chiefs' Council 
NRM 


National Referral Mechanism 
PHA 


Protection of Harassment Act 
PPT (ppt) 


Percentage point 
RAR  


Rehabilitation Activity Requirement 
RASSO  


Rape and Serious Sexual Offences 
SDVC 


Specialist Domestic Abuse Court 
SHPO 


Sexual Harm Prevention Order  
SOA 


Sexual Offences Act 
SO 


Sexual Offences 
TSJ 


Transforming Summary Justice 
LSIP 


Local Scrutiny and Involvement Panels 
WCU 


Witness Care Unit 
WMS 


Witness Management System 
VAWG  


Violence against Women and Girls