The number of reported rapes across hospitals in the North East has soared in the past five years, shocking figures show.
Records obtained under the Freedom of Information Act showed 10 times more rapes in hospitals had been reported to Northumbria Police in 2018 compared to figures from 2014.
Some 64 sexual offences - which includes rape, sexual assault and grooming, among other offences - were reported in hospitals last year to officers.
This figure represents a 33% increase from 2017 and more than five times the number of reports to Northumbria Police in 2014.
The force was unable to provide a breakdown of which hospitals or the types of hospitals where rape and sexual abuse had been reported.
The Northumbria Police patch covers major hospitals in the region such as the Royal Victoria Infirmary in Newcastle, Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Gateshead, Sunderland Royal Hospital and Northumbria Specialist Emergency Care Hospital in Cramlington.
Last year the Northumbria Police received reports of 20 rapes inside North East hospitals - a 122% rise from 2017.
These figures are substantially greater than in 2014 when officers received two reports of the same offence.
Northumbria Police says the increase in recorded crime is down to better reporting methods and victims now having more confidence to report sexual abuse.
A total of 5,553 sexual offences were reported to police in our area in 2018/19, up from 5,257 in the year before.
Detective Superintendent Steve Ammari, of Northumbria Police’s safeguarding department, said: “These figures are consistent with an increase in sexual offences across the Force area and I would stress there is not an issue with sexual offending specifically in hospitals.
"The increases in recorded crime in this area is largely down to better reporting methods and more confidence in victims to report this type of abuse, this is something we welcome.
"We are working hard to ensure all victims of sexual abuse can receive the appropriate support. We have specially trained detectives in our Safeguarding Department who are experts in investigating sexual offences and they will always look to put predatory offenders before the courts.
"If you have been a victim of sexual abuse and have not yet reported it then I would ask you to come forward and speak to police. The very least we can do is ensure you get the support you need."
An NHS spokesman said: “We have a zero tolerance policy when it comes to abuse, violence or harassment in the workplace and we will not stand for harassment or assault of any kind against NHS staff.
"Leaders of NHS organisations take these incidents seriously when they are reported, and we would want to provide the appropriate care and support to staff affected.”
Anyone who has been a victim of sexual abuse or assault, either recent or historic, can contact police on 101, or 999 in an emergency.
You can also report online at the Northumbria Police website or contact Victims First Northumbria on 0800 011 3116 who will give independent advice and support.
