Charges for violence against women rising - CPS

More than three-quarters of domestic abuse cases in the South East result in a conviction, said prosecutors

Charges related to violence against women and girls have increased in the South East, according to the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS).

The number of charges for controlling or coercive behaviour, stalking or intentional strangulation in Kent, Surrey and Sussex has risen since 2020/21, the CPS said.

More than three-quarters of domestic abuse cases in the region now result in a conviction, it added.

In one example, the CPS said prosecutors had "secured justice" for the victims of serial rapist George De Bathe, who smiled as he was jailed for 22 years in July.

De Bathe, then 26, used blackmail and intimidation to abuse five women physically, sexually and emotionally.

One young woman was strangled when she took a pregnancy test after being raped by him. He had also held a knife to her throat and threatened to kill her.

'Can't be complacent'

Holly Morton, deputy chief crown prosecutor for CPS South East, said the data released on Tuesday showed prosecutors had "made good progress".

"But we can't afford to be complacent," she continued.

"There is always more to be done in terms of delivering for victims."

George De Bathe (pictured) held a knife to one woman's throat

The CPS's national data highlighted how domestic abuse overlaps with other offences.

It relates to nearly 7 in 10 instances of harassment, more than 8 in 10 cases of revenge porn and stalking, and 9 in 10 instances of strangulation and 'honour'-based abuse, it added.

The data comes after a January report by the National Audit Office found violence against women and girls was growing.

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The watchdog said the percentage of women aged 16 to 59 in England and Wales who have suffered a sexual assault was estimated to be 4.3% in 2023-24 - up from 3.4% in 2009-10.

CPS South East said it had a new five year plan focusing on "training [prosecutors], trauma-informed approaches and more tailored support for victims to drive positive change".

Prosecutors wanted to support the national aim of halving violence against women and girls within a decade, it continued.