An increased number of rape victims are pursuing prosecutions thanks to a new Dyfed-Powys Police response team

Dyfed-Powys Police introduced the Bluestone Team in March 2024, with the aim of improving victim engagement, raising awareness of support services available to people reporting rape offences, and increasing victim engagement in the criminal justice process.

As part of this, a rapid video response was established for people who have reported rapes outside of the forensic evidence window, giving them the opportunity to engage with specialist officers from their own home, via video link or over the phone.T

Thanks to their ongoing work, the Bluestone Team were recently presented with the ‘Innovation and Problem Solving’ award, sponsored by Robiquity, at the Dyfed-Powys Police Force Awards.

Detective Sergeant Ben Staniforth of the Bluestone Team said: “The first year of offering a virtual response to victims has seen very positive results. Following the pilot which began in March 2024, we’ve seen an 18 per cent increase in victims now supporting a criminal justice outcome, and a 30 per cent increase in victims accepting a referral to New Pathways.

“This not only means that we are able to pursue a greater number of suspects for serious offences, but the victims who have suffered the trauma of being raped can access crucial support services.”