One in five rape cases are falling through as victims withdraw their support rather than wait years for their case to reach court. Prosecutions have been stopped after complainants withdrew their support, with delays in the criminal justice system being a key factor. Victims are waiting up to five years for their cases to go to trial, with court listings extending to 2027. The Director of Public Prosecutions has identified reducing delays and providing better support for victims as top priorities to address this issue.
Efforts are being made to halt the high level of victim attrition, with new measures being introduced to offer all victims of rape and serious sexual offenses a pre-trial meeting with prosecutors. Dedicated victim liaison officers will serve as a single point of contact for victims, answering any questions and providing support as needed. Communication between prosecutors and victims is being improved to provide clear information and empathy, with changes such as avoiding distressing language in letters to complainants where the suspect’s name is stated upfront.
The implementation of victim liaison officers has been described as a vital addition to the CPS, helping victims navigate the lengthy and traumatic process of waiting for their trials. These officers offer support and arrange pre-trial meetings with prosecutors, aiming to ease the burden on victims who have waited years for their cases to reach court. Trained staff specialize in having sensitive conversations and dispelling myths and misconceptions around consent. The early stages of the project have seen positive results, with feedback from victims expected to further improve confidence and reduce victim attrition.
Rape cases are facing lengthy delays, with victims waiting an average of 393 days for cases to progress from charge to conclusion, adding to the 317 days between complaint and charging decision. The introduction of pre-trial meetings and victim liaison officers aims to provide more support and guidance to victims through this challenging process. The focus is on improving communication, offering clear information, and ensuring victims feel supported and informed every step of the way. The goal is to reduce the number of victims withdrawing their support for prosecutions due to the long wait times in the criminal justice system.
The importance of victim support and communication has been highlighted through the testimonies of victims who have been through the lengthy process of waiting for their trials. Victims facing repeated delays in their trials have expressed feelings of devastation and challenges in reliving traumatic experiences while waiting for justice. The addition of victim liaison officers and pre-trial meetings has shown positive outcomes, with victims being more informed and supported as they navigate the complex legal system. These efforts aim to address the high level of victim attrition in rape cases and provide better support to those who have endured traumatic experiences.
