Coventry charity says women fear reporting their abusers due to court delays
Court delays in domestic violence cases have doubled since 2018
A charity in Coventry say domestic violence victims are reluctant to report their abusers due to lengthy court delays.
CPS figures reveal that the average time from charge to conclusion, in domestic abuse cases, nearly doubled from 2018 to the first six months of 2024.
Data shows that in 2018 it was taking around 85 days, however, in June 2024, it was 165 days.
Coventry Haven Women's Aid say there has been an increase year on year in domestic violence victims facing court delays.
We've been speaking with Jaime Richards, Coventry Haven’s Development & Funding Officer, on the impact delays are having on the victims they support.
Jaime said: "Victims are left without closure and they are unable to move on or feel safe, especially if the perpetrator is still in the community.
"Many feel like they are stuck in a state of re-traumatisation with constant anxiety."
Jaime continued: "Court delays have a serious impact on women's mental health, their housing stability and their feelings of safety in general.
"The delays pose a serious risk in eroding trust in the justice system and can discourage women from seeking help in the first place."
Coventry Haven supports women who have reported their abusers, through the court process.
Jaime told us more: "We're with the survivors, not just at court, but from the moment they file a report.
"We help with the safety planning, the emotional support and the practical guidance to help women navigate a confusing and overwhelming system."
In response to the court backlogs for domestic violence cases, a Ministry of Justice spokesperson said: "The new Government inherited a justice system in crisis, with a record and rising Crown Court backlog.
"These delays have consequences, with justice delayed and denied for far too many victims.
“We have pledged to halve violence against women and girls within a decade, and this includes delivering swifter justice.
"We are funding a record number of sitting days and we have also extended magistrates’ court sentencing powers from six to 12 months, freeing up 2,000 days for the Crown Courts to handle the most serious cases.”