Rape investigation wait time reduced by 40%

The average time a victim has to wait for a rape to be investigated in West Yorkshire has been reduced by 40%, a specialist unit has said.

A partnership between police and the mayor's office has also seen 2,200 more requests under the Domestic Violence Disclosure Scheme, also known as Clare's Law, than the same time two years ago.

The West Yorkshire Combined Authority (WYCA) said since the partnership's launch in March 2024 it has implemented new methods of prevention including workshops, community engagement and an increase in protective orders.

Mayor Tracy Brabin added: "Victims must also have absolute confidence that the system is supporting them."

WYCA's West Yorkshire Women's Safety Unit and the Violence Reduction Partnership have also received more financial backing from the mayor, they said, so they can continue to "spearhead" methods of reducing sexual offences.

Meanwhile, West Yorkshire Police said its victim disengagement rate for rape - when a victim withdraws their support for an investigation - is 31%, which is almost half of the national average of 58%.

Temporary Supt James Kitchen, the force's strategic lead for violence against women and girls, added: "Ensuring the safety of women and girls is a responsibility that cannot be met in isolation; it requires a coordinated and collective partnership and a whole of society approach.

"The continued investment of the unit represents a significant commitment to driving long‑term and meaningful change and improving our services for women and girls across our communities."

Other innovations the units have implemented include specialist software to improve stalking and harassment outcomes and focusing on the voices of underrepresented groups.

Brabin said: "These reductions in rape investigation times are yet another important step forward in the collaborative work of the Women's Safety Unit.

"In West Yorkshire we are laser focused on achieving this and already leading the way nationally in charging perpetrators."

Supt Kitchen added: "West Yorkshire Police remain committed to creating an environment for women and girls, where they not only feel safe but are safe, free from harm, fear and harassment.

"We will achieve this by continuing to establish work in key areas including early intervention and education to reduce re-offending and change harmful attitudes and behaviours, alongside bringing those responsible for this offending to justice."

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