Perceptions of Victims of Historically Reported Sexual Offences: Insights from England and Wales

Abstract

The current trend for reporting historical offences appears to be a global phenomenon which has attracted high media attention as well as criminal justice resources. This article critically analyses this phenomenon from the perspective of victims who reported such incidents to a police service in the United Kingdom. It explores reasons why individuals did not report historical sexual offences at the time they were committed and considers the reasons why they subsequently reported them. The results indicate a variety of reasons for reporting such incidents including those of nonbelief from official agencies and the fact that the individual was too embarrassed. The complexity of decision making for the individual victim in reporting such incidents is thus highlighted. This provides some understanding and evidence for police, their partners and strategic policy makers to ensure provision is made for encouraging and accommodating such victims of this type of crime