Powys police see rise in rape victims seeking prosecution
At the Dyfed Powys Police awards, the force's Bluestone Team were recognised with the Innovation and Problem Solving Award for improving victim engagement and offering support to people reporting rape offences.
Established in March 2024, police say that the first year of the process in Powys has seen 79 per cent of victims who were engaged with accepted the support of an Independent Sexual Violence Advisor, an increase of 30 percent from the previous year.
Detective Sergeant Ben Staniforth of the Bluestone Team explained: 'Victim survivors of sexual assault sometimes tell police, medical staff or other trusted people or professional bodies of their allegation without wishing to report the incident.
'For example, they might tell a paramedic or a GP following a medical consultation, who will inform police. Under our new process, our specialist team would contact the victim with the aim of ensuring they are aware of the support available to them, and that they are aware of the criminal justice process.
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'All of this is done in a trauma informed way, and in line with guidance.'
The programme saw a rapid video response established for people who have reported rapes outside the forensic evidence window, which police say gives victims more opportunity to engage with specialist officers, giving them more flexibility on where and when they can speak to an officer about what has happened.
The process also allows police to speak to victims more quickly and thereby gain important information on the case. The team also has an active working relationship with New Pathways rape crisis and sexual abuse support service, offering victims instant access to a crisis worker.
DS Staniforth added that the result of these steps is that between March 2024 and March 2025, 12 victims have changed their 'tell' to an official report and supported a criminal justice outcome.
He said: 'This will inevitably result in a future increase in sexual offence conviction rates, improving the safeguarding of our communities.
'The first year of offering a virtual response to victims has seen very positive results. This not only means that we are able to pursue a greater number of suspects for serious offences, but the victims who have suffered the trauma of being raped can access crucial support services.'
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