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Victims urged to share experiences of court delays

The Victims’ Commissioner, Baroness Newlove, has launched a new survey exploring the impact court waiting times have on victims across England and Wales and the services in place to support them.

Amid lengthy delays throughout the criminal justice system – from police investigations to court proceedings, including the Crown Court backlog – it’s important for the Victims’ Commissioner to hear from victims about the impact these are having on their experiences of the criminal justice system.

Latest Ministry of Justice figures show that over a quarter (27%) of cases were rearranged on the day of trial at the end of December 2023.  Almost two thirds (59%) of adult rape investigations had to be ended due to victims withdrawing. The current Crown Court open caseload stands at a record 67,573 cases – 16,031 of which have been outstanding for a year or more.

It is feared that these conditions are placing unprecedented strain on both victims and the services in place to support them as well as keep them engaged with the criminal justice system.

The information shared in the survey will inform the Victims’ Commissioner upcoming work, including a report which intends to examine how these delays are impacting victims and identify measures to ease the burden and ensure victims receive the support they need and justice outcomes they deserve.

Launching the survey, the Victims’ Commissioner, Baroness Newlove, said:

“No one should be expected to wait years before their case gets to court. Yet justice is not being delivered in a timely or effective way, and it is victims who are ultimately paying the price. With a record backlog in our Crown Courts, the justice system is under immense strain, and we cannot ignore its impact on victims. This survey aims to give victims a voice, help us understand how these challenges affect them – and shape solutions.

I often hear from frustrated victims anxiously awaiting their day in court. Stuck in limbo for years, one victim even questioned whether a justice system inflicting such delays on victims can even claim to be delivering justice. It is clear to me that these aren’t isolated examples. These are systemic issues, and it is causing victims real and undue distress.

That’s why it’s so important as many victims as possible share their experiences in this survey. By using their voice, victims influence the recommendations I put to government and criminal justice agencies and help shape a justice system that puts the needs of victims first.”

The survey is anonymous and only takes five minutes to complete. It is open to victims in England and Wales whose crime resulted in a charge by the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS), regardless of when the crime took place or whether the case is still ongoing.

It is available in English and Welsh on the Victims’ Commissioner’s website and closes Thursday, September 12.

From left, Police and Crime Commissioner Alison Hernandez, Deputy Chief Constable David Thorne, High Sheriff of Cornwall Toby Ashworth, Alexis Bowater and advisor Jess Cain at the launch of Criminal Justice and You at Devon and Cornwall Police Headquarters

First-of-its-kind resource helps victims through the criminal justice process  

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From left, Police and Crime Commissioner Alison Hernandez, Deputy Chief Constable David Thorne, High Sheriff of Cornwall Toby Ashworth, Alexis Bowater and advisor Jess Cain at the launch of Criminal Justice and You at Devon and Cornwall Police Headquarters
From left, Police and Crime Commissioner Alison Hernandez, Deputy Chief Constable David Thorne, High Sheriff of Cornwall Toby Ashworth, Alexis Bowater and advisor Jess Cain at the launch of Criminal Justice and You at Devon and Cornwall Police Headquarters

An innovative new online product which aims to transform the experience of victims and witnesses in the criminal justice system in Devon and Cornwall has been hailed as an “invaluable asset” by Victims Minister Laura Farris. 

Criminal Justice and You is a first-of-its-kind multimedia resource developed by victims for victims, bringing all aspects of the criminal justice system into one place, with the aim of demystifying every step of the process. 

A launch event was held this week at Devon and Cornwall Police headquarters in Exeter, attended by Police and Crime Commissioner and Temporary Deputy Chief Constable David Thorne who spoke to councillors, police officers, members of criminal justice organisations and commissioned services about the importance of victims having easy access to information to help them stay informed and in control.

Criminal Justice and You launch event

First-of-its-kind resource helps victims through the criminal justice process  
First-of-its-kind resource helps victims through the criminal justice process  
First-of-its-kind resource helps victims through the criminal justice process  
First-of-its-kind resource helps victims through the criminal justice process  
First-of-its-kind resource helps victims through the criminal justice process  

 

The event also heard from former broadcast journalist Alexis Bowater OBE and lived experience advisor Jess Cain, who both spoke of their own experiences as a victim and how their own experience would have been improved by clarity around what to expect from each stage of the process.

The interactive resource has been created by the Devon and Cornwall Local Criminal Justice Board (LCJB) in conjunction with the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner (OPCC) for Devon, Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly. 

The project features 14 videos of partners working in their own area of expertise from Devon and Cornwall Police, Victim Support, the Crown Prosecution Service, His Majesty’s Prison and Probation Service and the Youth Justice Service, speaking directly to victims and witnesses to explain what to expect at each stage, from reporting a crime through to the conclusion of a case. There is information about accessing victim services and restorative justice, as well as what happens if a case doesn’t go to court or if the perpetrator is under the age of 18. Details are also provided of how to make a complaint if a victim or witness is unhappy with the service they have been provided. 

Further videos by Citizen’s Advice Bureau, the Parole Board, and His Majesty’s Courts and Tribunals Service have also been included.

To ensure accessibility, the videos feature a British Sign Language translator and subtitles in multiple languages, and transcripts are viewable as a plain text document for anyone who experiences difficulty with a video format

Police and Crime Commissioner Alison Hernandez said the new resource would prove invaluable to anyone who feels they need support or clarity, and will be an important tool in ensuring transparency around the criminal justice system. 

She said: “By working with victims we have ensured that their voice has been heard throughout the development of this piece of work, and I am hopeful that these videos, alongside links to further useful information, will help to give victims and witnesses back control over their experience, allowing them to understand what is happening at a time that suits them and at their own pace. 

“At a time when confidence in policing and criminal justice is in the spotlight, this tool will help to ensure transparency in relation not only to our police force but also to all our partner agencies, who are here for you and want the best possible outcome for you.” 

Criminal Justice and You features videos from the Commissioner, Devon and Cornwall Police, Victim Support, the Crown Prosecution Service, Citizen’s Advice, His Majesty’s Courts and Tribunals Service, National Probation Service, the Parole Board, and the Youth Justice Service. 

Deputy Chief Constable of Devon and Cornwall Police David Thorne said: “Dealing with the criminal justice system can be a daunting prospect for victims and this tool will give them valuable help and advice.  

“I’m sure our police officers and staff will also find it useful, and we will be encouraging them to share it with the people and communities we serve.” 

Minister for Victims & Safeguarding Laura Farris said it was important that victims felt supported on every step of their way through the criminal justice process. 

She said: “Criminal Justice & You will be an invaluable asset to anyone who needs it in Devon and Cornwall.  

“We want all victims of crime to come forward and feel supported through the criminal justice process. This is why we have launched the Victim’s Code Campaign to ensure that they are aware of their rights and the support available to them, whatever the crime.” 

Criminal Justice and You is hosted on the OPCC’s Victim Care Devon & Cornwall website, which helps victims to access specialist support services at any time, even if a crime hasn’t been reported to police. 

The resource can be viewed here.  

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