Rise in reported sexual offences could be linked to increased victim confidence

Greater victim confidence in reporting, enhanced officer training and targeted strategies to tackle violence against women and girls and sexual offences could have contributed to a rise in these reported offences in Wiltshire.

Latest figures, released by the Office for National Statistics (ONS) ahead of Sexual Abuse and Sexual Violence Awareness Week, highlights a rise in recorded sexual offences locally and nationally. In Wiltshire, recorded offences increased from 1,999 to 2,286 in the year ending September 2025 - a 14% increase -while England and Wales saw an 8% rise over the same period.

PCC Philip Wilkinson said while any increase in reported crime in one area appears alarming, the jump could mean the strides being made by Wiltshire Police to tackle these crimes could mean victims now feel more able to come forward.

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