Here's what the North East's police forces said about tackling child rape reports

We asked forces across the North East and North Yorkshire how they worked to tackle the horrific crime and what factors contribute to hundreds of victims a year withdrawing support for investigations.

Here’s what they told us.

Cleveland Police

A spokeswoman for Cleveland Police said the force works closely with other support services to ensure all rape survivors have access to support throughout the process – and where survivors are children, they use special measures and intermediaries to ensure appropriate support is given.

Read more: 25 child rape reports a week in the North East

She said the force was carrying out work with rape survivors to better understand the reasons why some withdraw their support for investigations, with a view to responding to any themes that emerge.

The spokeswoman added: “There is a lot of work ongoing within the education system. Police in Cleveland have been working with safeguarding leads around sexual harassment and harm in line with Keeping Children Safe in Education guidance, NSPCC guidance and advice from the Department for Education.

“This raises awareness and is supporting child survivors and supporting increased reporting.

“There have also been a number of convictions of perpetrators of those who have committed offences against children which are well publicised, which also gives increased confidence in reporting.”

Chief Superintendent Dave Ashton, Head of Safeguarding at Durham Constabulary

“Durham Constabulary’ s safeguarding and detective teams have a focus on dealing with high harm crimes where there are vulnerable victims, particularly children, and providing tailored support to help them through the criminal justice process.

“We place a high emphasis on recording of crimes to get a thorough and accurate picture, not only of recent offences, but also of children who have been abused many years ago and only come forward as adults.

“In recent years, we have also investigated a number of cases of sex abuse which happened several decades ago in large institutions, including Medomsley Detention Centre and Stanhope Castle."

Detective Superintendent Fi Wynne, North Yorkshire Police

At North Yorkshire Police, specially trained detectives work with trained intermediates to sensitively support young victims and their families at each stage of the examination and investigation process.

DS Wynne said evidential difficulties, a lack of witnesses, time factors and forensic issues were among reasons contributing to investigations being closed without perpetrators being brought to justice.

Encouraging victims to come forward as early as possible, she said difficulties gathering evidence did not equate to police not believing victims.

Read more: Charities call for more specialist support for rape survivors

But she said some choose not to support police action because investigations could be intrusive and the prosecution process lengthy.

DS Wynne added: “Even though special measures are available, which means children do not have to attend court to give evidence, the whole experience of going through a medical examination, providing a video recorded interview, or having their mobile phone examined (only where relevant to the investigation) can feel too much. 

“Time factors, too, can also negatively impact investigations. Many victims of child sexual assault wait until they are an adult to report it – for personal or circumstantial reasons, or to seek closure.

“Some may not wish to pursue an investigation, and in some cases, the suspect has died and there is thus no opportunity to pursue the investigation further. 

“We will, however, always listen to victims and investigate all reports, regardless of how much time has passed since the incident.”

North Yorkshire Police refer all cases to an Independent Sexual Violence Adviser and work with social care teams to support child victims.

Over-16s can also self-refer to sexual assault referral centres for care and support.

Detective Inspector John Connolly, Northumbria Police

DI Connolly, of the force’s safeguarding department, said protecting the vulnerable is Northumbria Police’s number one priority.

He said the force takes a very proactive approach in dealing with sex offences against children.

DI Connolly added: “We have specially-trained officers who are experts in identifying offenders who target vulnerable, young people, and they have the tools to identify and catch sexual predators.

“We also work closely with partners including schools, charities and local authorities so that those who work with young people are trained to recognise signs of sexual abuse and can help support victims.

“The figures highlight that more young people are having the confidence to come forward and report incidents of this nature.

“We are committed to building on this confidence and ensuring victims know they have a voice and there are people here for them.

“We want to be clear that anyone who does come forward will be listened to and supported, and we will work relentlessly to bring offenders to justice.”

Abuse can be reported by contacting the police, children’s social services teams or online via the Child Exploitation and Online Protection (CEOP) Centre.

To get confidential support about what to do if you suspect abuse, contact the Stop It Now! helpline or the NSPCC helpline.

Children can contact Childline on 0800 1111.