Rape victims in London waiting more than six years for cases to get to court, says victims' commissioner
Commissioner Claire Waxman says victims are stuck in the criminal justice system "far too long".
Wednesday 8 November 2023 15:57, UK
Some rape victims in London are waiting for more than six years to see their cases get to court, according to the victims' commissioner in the capital.
Claire Waxman said there are "fundamental issues" in the criminal justice system with London "disproportionately affected" by backlogs in the courts.
She told the London Assembly that the Metropolitan Police are improving in dealing with rape cases but said victims are stuck in the criminal justice system for "far too long".
"From the time of reporting to police and getting to court we have some victims in London waiting for over six years, so I can understand why victims are really struggling to stay in that process," she said.
The latest official figures showed a record backlog of around 65,000 cases awaiting trial in crown courts, up from around 40,000 before the COVID pandemic.
The results of the 2022 annual survey of victims' experience found 70% of the 489 people who responded said they had to wait too long before their case came to court, up from 66% the previous year.
Some 45% said the police investigation took too long, down from 54% the previous year, while just 9% were confident that the courts were effective at dealing with cases promptly.
One woman said: "Nothing has been done. I feel let down and if [I] was required [to give] evidence in the future I wouldn't due to my experience."
The survey found 71% of crime victims who responded were dissatisfied with the police response, while just over a third (34%) said they would not report a crime again.
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Ahead of her first speech in the House of Lords after her reappointment as victims' commissioner for England and Wales, Baroness Newlove said the figures should be a "wake-up call" for everyone involved in the justice system.
"These numbers simply must not be shrugged off as they concern me deeply. For when victims lose trust in the system, they're less likely to report crime," she said.
"Victims aren't asking for much; they're asking for fairness - a level playing field, where their needs and rights are considered alongside those of the offenders.
"A capable and competent justice system that is sensitive to the needs and interests of victims, delivers procedural justice, and gives victims a voice in proceedings is the key to better justice for everyone."
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak's agenda for the year ahead outlined in the King's Speech on Tuesday focused on criminal justice.
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Announcements included the Victims and Prisoners Bill, which will give the power to stop the parole of the worst offenders and prevent them getting married, and the Sentencing Bill to "increase the confidence of victims".
The bill aims to ensure dangerous offenders are locked up for longer and rapists and sex offenders serve their full sentences.