Geneva: Rape: one in ten proceedings results in a conviction

Since 2019, in Geneva, of the 616 rape cases brought before the courts, 137 have been referred to the Criminal Court, or one case in four. According to the “Tribune de Genève”, which reveals these figures, a little more than half were convicted of rape: or 73 defendants. Note that some have appealed. In other words: in five years, only 11.8% of criminal proceedings resulted in a conviction for this qualifier. 52 defendants were found guilty on other grounds and twelve were acquitted. The new definition of rape which came into force on July 1 has not yet had its effects.

Beyond the cases that come before the courts, many victims do not report their attacker. The Geneva daily mentions a study carried out in 2023 by the HUG and the CHUV. This reveals that, when lesions were noted in the gynecological emergency room, 7% of victims already said they did not want to go any further. Only 20% of rapes are reported, estimate the HUG. Geneva police confirm that many victims do not file complaints, often out of shame, fear or worry that the situation will get worse. Reasons which are also given by prostitutes who are victims of sexual assault.