The percentage of rape cases resulting in a charge or summons has fallen sharply over the past five years

A growing proportion of alleged victims withdrew from investigations or the suspect was not identified

Charged/summonsed

Evidential difficulties – victim did not support

action

Evidential difficulties – suspect identified; victim

supported action

Investigation complete – no suspect identified

Other

0%

20

40

60

80

100

2015-16

2016-17

2017-18

2018-19

2019-20

Charged/summonsed

Evidential difficulties – victim did not support action

Evidential difficulties – suspect identified; victim supported action

Investigation complete – no suspect identified

Other

0%

20

40

60

80

100

2015-16

2016-17

2017-18

2018-19

2019-20

Guardian graphic. Source: Home Office, Police recorded crime and outcomes open data tables, 2020. Figures may not add up to 100 due to rounding