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Violence

Rise in Violence and Sexual Offences in Norwich Despite National Decrease

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Violence and sexual offences have been on the rise in Norwich, with 530 cases recorded in March this year, compared to 454 in nearby city Cambridge and 413 in Lincoln. This surge comes despite a national decline in crime, with Norfolk Police reporting a 3% decrease and 10,000 fewer crimes over the last three years. Experts point to increased awareness and confidence in reporting as possible factors contributing to the rise.

Key Takeaways:

  • According to data from data.police.uk, there were 530 reports of violence and sexual offences in Norwich in March this year, a higher number than nearby cities Cambridge (454) and Lincoln (413).
  • Norfolk Police reported a 3% decrease in crime over the last year, with 10,000 fewer crimes compared to the previous three years.
  • Experts attribute the rise in reports to increased awareness and confidence in reporting, with domestic abuse charity Leeways noting that perpetrators are using the rising cost of living to extend their abuse.
  • Sue Lambert Trust, a charity that supports victims of sexual violence, saw a 30% increase in assessments for counselling support in 2024, with client data showing that only a small percentage of victims come forward despite growing trust.
  • Over five years, Sue Lambert Trust has seen a 56% increase in people seeking support, with 56% more individuals supported in 2024 compared to 2020.

Statistics:

  • 530 reports of violence and sexual offences in Norwich in March this year (data.police.uk)
  • 454 reports in Cambridge and 413 in Lincoln (data.police.uk)
  • 3% decrease in crime in Norfolk over the last year (Norfolk Police)
  • 10,000 fewer crimes in Norfolk over the last three years (Norfolk Police)
  • 59,456 crimes recorded in Norfolk in the year ending December 2024, compared to 61,217 in the previous 12 months (Office of National Statistics)
  • 30% increase in assessments for counselling support at Sue Lambert Trust in 2024 compared to 2023
  • 56% increase in people seeking support at Sue Lambert Trust over five years
  • 56% more individuals supported in 2024 compared to 2020 at Sue Lambert Trust

Sources:

  • data.police.uk
  • Norfolk Police
  • Office of National Statistics (ONS)
  • Leeways domestic abuse charity
  • Sue Lambert Trust

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