New data reveals thousands of rapes and sexual assaults have taken place on hospital grounds across the UK in recent years.
Figures obtained through Freedom of Information (FOI) requests to police forces in England and Wales show a disturbing number of offences recorded between January 2022 and January 2025.
Out of 43 police forces contacted, 28 responded. During this three-year period, 2,569 reports of sexual assault and 743 reports of rape were recorded as occurring in hospital settings. This equates to over 1,000 serious sexual offences taking place in hospitals every year.
Despite the scale of these reports, only 158 incidents led to a criminal charge. Shockingly, in five police areas, no charges were brought in any reported rape or sexual assault cases.
The figures also show that at least 1,132 of these incidents were confirmed to have taken place on hospital wards, although many forces did not provide details on the specific hospital locations.
Northumbria Police reported the highest number of offences, with 315 sexual assaults and 62 rapes. Of those, 16 cases resulted in charges. The force stated that population size and geographical factors can influence the figures and emphasised its commitment to victim support and rigorous investigation.
It also highlighted involvement in Operation Soteria, a national initiative aimed at improving outcomes for survivors of sexual violence.
A spokesperson for Northumbria Police said the force takes all reports of sexual offences seriously, working closely with the Crown Prosecution Service and criminal justice partners to improve how cases are handled and prosecuted. Victims are encouraged to come forward and access the support available.
The Metropolitan Police was among 15 forces that did not provide data, citing either high costs or limitations in locating relevant cases from their systems.
Some police forces clarified that the reported incidents may have occurred within the hospital premises or just outside, and may not have involved hospital staff or patients. Others noted that some rape cases could be counted under both rape and sexual assault categories due to recording overlaps.
Given the lack of response from several forces, it is likely that the actual number of sexual offences taking place on hospital grounds across the UK is significantly higher.
