Increase in Recorded Sexual Offences Reflects Growing Victim Confidence, Government Argues
Home Office minister Jess Phillips has described new data showing an 8% annual rise in recorded sexual offences as "encouraging," stating it indicates more victims are coming forward to report crimes. The latest Office for National Statistics (ONS) release also reveals a 7% increase in recorded rape offences in England and Wales between September 2024 and September 2025.
Political Divergence on Crime Statistics Interpretation
Conservative shadow home secretary Chris Philp contends the statistics demonstrate "Labour is failing to keep women safe." However, the government maintains the opposite perspective, arguing that rising numbers reflect victims' growing confidence that their reports will be taken seriously and thoroughly investigated.
A Home Office source indicated that initial increases in figures showing violent crime against women and girls are expected before policies become established and numbers potentially decline.
Minister's Perspective on Survivor Support
Phillips, serving as Minister for Violence Against Women and Girls, emphasised her extensive experience working with abuse survivors. "I have spent decades working with survivors of abuse. Theirs are stories that never leave you," she stated.
"That's why I'm encouraged to see an increase in the number of victims coming forward and the number of rape charges has increased – this shows police and prosecutors are taking more action to bring abusers justice. For too long, violence against women and girls has been treated as a fact of life. We will never accept that."
Statistical Context and Recording Changes
The ONS notes that the 8% rise in sexual offences can be partially attributed to two new sexual offence subcodes introduced through the 2023 Online Safety Act. These subcodes, implemented before the January 2024 election, specifically address "sending or sharing intimate photographs or films."
The statistics body further explains: "Improvements in police recording practices, the introduction of new offences, and increased reporting by victims have contributed to increases in the level of [sexual] offences in recent years."
Government Strategy and Policy Implementation
Last month, the government published a landmark strategy backed by £1 billion in funding, aiming to halve violence against women and girls over the next decade. The comprehensive approach focuses on preventing boys and men from becoming abusers, addressing perpetrators, and supporting victims in obtaining justice.
Key measures include placing specialist rape and sexual offence investigation teams in every police force across England and Wales. Guidance has reportedly been provided to all 43 forces, with the policy expected to continue despite forthcoming radical restructuring plans outlined by Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood.
Additional Protective Measures
The strategy encompasses several significant initiatives:
- A ban on "nudification" applications that gained recent attention following criticism of Elon Musk's Grok AI
- Wider rollout of Domestic Abuse Protection Orders (DAPOs) to impose tighter restrictions on abusers
- Tougher restrictions for registered sex offenders
- Accelerated deportation of foreign offenders through asylum system changes
- Implementation of "Raneem's Law," placing domestic abuse specialists in 999 control rooms, with plans for nationwide rollout by parliament's end
Educational Funding and Broader Crime Trends
Schools in England will receive £20 million in funding to address radicalisation and confront concerning behaviour before it escalates into abuse or violence.
Meanwhile, the latest ONS crime statistics reveal homicides in England and Wales at their lowest level since police methodology updates over twenty-two years ago. The year ending September 2025 recorded 499 murders, down from 539 the previous year, largely driven by a 23% reduction in stabbing homicides.
The government maintains that increased reporting represents progress toward creating a safer environment for women and girls, with Phillips concluding: "We will deploy the full power of the state to make this country safe for women and girls."
