JUST eight per cent of rape reports by women in West Yorkshire led to someone being charged last year, new figures have revealed.

Of the 2,811 rape investigations concluded by West Yorkshire Police with an alleged female victim in the 2021/21 financial year, just 228 resulted in a charge or summons.

Almost two thirds (64 per cent) were dropped due to difficulties gathering evidence, while 27 per cent were dropped as a suspect couldn’t be identified, Home Office data showed.

The figures come as the Prime Minister Boris Johnson has apologised to victims of sex attacks for the trauma and delay they face in trying to get justice after reporting crimes.

Labour has slammed the Government for “failing rape victims” - in part due to the huge cuts made to police and the justice system since 2010 - and called for “root to branch reforms”.

While West Yorkshire’s figure is low, it is still above the national average in England and Wales, where just 5.3 per cent of closed investigations resulted in a suspect being charged.

The Victim’s Commissioner Vera Baird slammed the record as “shameful” and a “decriminalisation of rape”.

A West Yorkshire Police spokesperson said: “Rape and sexual offences are abhorrent crimes and we work to ensure our response to such crimes and any allegations are accurately recorded.

“As with all crime in West Yorkshire we have worked tirelessly to ensure what happens is recorded accurately and appropriately, and how we approach this crime data integrity has seen us be awarded an ‘Outstanding’ grading from Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire and Rescue Service. We are only one of a few forces to have achieved this high standard.

“We take rape and other sexual offences extremely seriously and strive to achieve the best possible outcome for each victim.

“Cases of this nature are often difficult and complex and for this reason the investigations are undertaken by specially trained detectives in order to deliver the best care and service we can.

“We continue to work closely with the Crown Prosecution Service who ultimately make the charging decisions and will continue to look at ways in which we can improve the charge rate of rape offences.

“Our absolute focus is the victim and we are committed to securing justice for them. It is vitally important that any victim of rape or sexual assault knows that it is not their fault.

“Sexual offences are truly dreadful crimes and if you have been a victim of rape or other sexual offences, either recently or in the past then we would encourage you to report it to us so that we can investigate it and look to take action against the person responsible."

A Government review into rape investigations has led to new measures set to be introduced, including a review into the management of sex offenders and a 24/7 rape and assault helpline.

Home Secretary Priti Patel said the strategy will “deliver real and lasting change”.

She added: “I am determined to give the police the powers they need to crack down on perpetrators and carry out their duties to protect the public whilst providing victims with the care and support they deserve.”

However Labour has slammed Government inaction, with shadow Solicitor General Ellie Reeves saying: “Rape victims are being failed by this Tory government, and these figures show just how badly.”

Rape Crisis England and Wales said the declining rates in rape charges and convictions is a "national crisis"

A spokesperson added: "Although the majority of those who are raped and sexually assaulted still choose not to report to the police, over recent years the number coming forward has steadily increased.

"Worryingly however, over the last few years, rates of criminal justice – in terms of charges, prosecutions and convictions – have all been falling.

"West Yorkshire is by no means alone in this – it is a national crisis. The criminal justice process takes far too long and is too often retraumatising for victims and survivors who have already been subjected to the trauma of sexual violence and abuse.

"Rape Crisis has called for a number of urgent, specific measures to tackle this unacceptable situation, including specialist training, awareness-raising campaigns, and sustainable funding for wraparound Rape Crisis support and advocacy services.

"We hope the Government will follow its apologies and acknowledgements with swift, radical and properly resourced action.”