ACPO lead on adult sex offending Deputy Assistant Commissioner Martin Hewitt said:

"Sex offences are extremely harmful and are treated very seriously. The investigation of sexual offending is a complex area for both police and prosecutors and joint working to ensure best evidence and successful convictions is critical. In recent years the service has been working hard to improve our response in this area, including improving our recording and reporting practices and working with other partner agencies, including health, to encourage victims of sexual offences to come forward and report offences.

"This joint bulletin builds on the picture of sexual offending from offence through the criminal justice process and will further sharpen our ongoing focus on reducing the number of victims; successfully prosecuting more rapists; and providing better support and care for victims."