Reduction in VAWG offences
In the rolling 365 days to 10 January 2024 there were 24,282 VAWG offences recorded. This is a reduction of 12% compared to the previous 365-day period. The decrease is largely as a result of the reduction in violence against the person offences. This can partly be attributed to changes in counting rules and improved crime recording. There has also been a lot of police activity in preventing and deterring VAWG offences and offenders as detailed below.
Improved outcomes for victims
Since September 2022 until 31 January 2024, the sanction outcome* rate for VAWG offences** is 26.2%, with a charge/summons outcome rate of 21.3%. These outcome rates are higher than the equivalent rates for all such offences recorded (24.0% and 18.4% respectively).
Over the same time period, sanction outcome rates for controlling or coercive behaviour sit at 49.9% and sanction outcome rates for stalking sit at 52.6%; both rates are higher than during the first twelve months of these pieces of legislation being introduced. The sanction outcome rate for non-fatal strangulation (introduced in June 2023) is 36.4%.
*Sanction outcomes include charge/summons, cautions and community resolution notices.
**VAWG offences include female victims of violence against the person and sexual offences (excluding offences of corporate manslaughter, death/serious injury by unlawful driving and assault on police).