Crime reduction 

Serious sexual assault

While it is acknowledged that all sexual offences are serious, there are factors which will be considered to assess which department is best placed to deal with the victim.

It is recognised that certain acts, due to their nature, are more serious than others – these are categorised as ‘serious sexual assaults’.

‘Serious sexual offences’ include:

• Rape.
• Sexual assault by penetration.
• Sexual assault where the assault is particularly serious or features of the offence are aggravated.
• Causing a person to engage in sexual activity without consent.
• Any other offence of a sexual nature deemed especially serious by the Investigating Officer.
• An attempt to commit any of the above offences.

Thames Valley Police offer a dedicated team who deals with victims of serious sexual assault. Specially Trained Officers deal with adult victims only – age 18 and over. If the victim is younger, this will be dealt with by the Child Abuse Investigation Unit.