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Research on the sentencing of sex offences

About this study

The Sentencing Council for England and Wales is the organisation that sets guidance for judges to use when they make decisions about how to sentence someone who has gone to court after committing a crime. The Sentencing Council has commissioned NatCen to conduct research on attitudes to sentencing sex offences.

As part of this process they would like to consult members of the public and victims/survivors on their awareness and views of sentencing sex offences.

Context

Research into the sentencing of sex offences must be conducted with the utmost sensitivity and awareness to the circumstances of those involved. One objective of this research is to provide survivors of sex offences that have recently been sentenced with an opportunity to express their views on the appropriateness of the sentence and the experience of the offence.

Sex offences cover a wide remit of different offences including: rape, sexual assault, voyeurism, exposure, preparatory offences such as sexual grooming, administering a substance with intent to commit a sexual offence, and other offences such as possession of indecent photographs of children, trafficking for exploitation or exploitation through prostitution. The research aims to incorporate the views of survivors who have been affected by the range of offences in scope.

The research therefore has two key focuses: the views of the general public and the views of survivors will be explored.

Research aims

The aim of the research with the general public is to:

1. Map the range and diversity of public views and attitudes on sentences for sex offences including:
   • Whether recommended sentences are deemed proportionate to the type of sex offence committed, and the seriousness of the offence,
   • The relative seriousness of sex offences compared to other serious offences (for example a drug offence or GBH).
2. Map public awareness of the various sanctions for sex offences
3. Explore views on the appropriateness of different types of sentencing for the offences discussed and the outcomes it is perceived that different types of sentences can achieve

The aim of interviews with survivors is to:

1. Explore the direct experiences of people affected by sex offences
2. Understand whether sentences for the types of offence discussed are deemed proportionate to the type of sex offence committed and the harm experienced
3. Understand how effective or appropriate survivors perceive the range of sanctions to be and the outcomes they feel should be achieved from the sentence

Methodology

The research will consist of focus groups with members of the public conducted at different locations across England and Wales and interviews with survivors of recent sex offences, or their parents in the case of those under the age of 16.

Taking part in the research for victims/ survivors of sexual offences

If you or your child are a survivor of a sexual offence and would like to know more about taking part, please click here. Please also pass this information on to anyone if you think they might be interested in taking part in the research.

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