Norfolk charity calls for greater action to tackle court backlogs
It comes after we revealed there were 850 charges for domestic abuse in Norfolk, last year- the lowest number recorded seen since 2015
A local support charity's telling us reducing court backlogs is key to ensuring more domestic abuse victims get justice.
It comes after we revealed this week that criminal charges for this crime in Norfolk hit a decade low last year - despite the number of offences rising slightly.
We can read and listen to Zina Wilkinson from Thorpe St Andrew, here. She was stalked and abused over six years.
"I don't want to have to relive my experiences years later"
Rhys Lloyd from Leeway
He tells us why some aren't seeking justice now:
"Many are now thinking look, I don't want to go down this legal route because I don't want to have to relive my experiences years later. Some are also thinking, will it even make it to court.
"Moving forwards, it's about looking at how we can break down this backlog or how can we perhaps fast-track cases around domestic abuse.
"Something like this, so that people aren't having to wait years and years for the justice they need and deserve".
Links to support:
Leeway refuge services
0300 561 0077
Website: here
NIDAS - Norfolk Integrated Domestic Abuse Services (medium and high risk support)
0300 561 0555
Text: 07860 063 464
Out of hours: 0808 2000 247
Website: here
Norfolk and Suffolk Victim Care (standard risk)
0300 303 3706
National Helpline: 0808 1689 111 (24 hours)
Website: here
Pandora Project (standard risk support North and West Norfolk)
Website: here
Email: [email protected]