Responding to the Leveson report on tackling court backlogs, Gemma Sherrington, CEO of Refuge, said:
“Refuge has repeatedly raised urgent concerns about the devastating impact Crown Court backlogs are having on survivors of domestic abuse. Court delays are deeply traumatic for many survivors, and women often tell Refuge they feel let down by the very system that is supposed to protect them. Some even tell us they have given up hope, or that delays to their perpetrator’s trial are hindering them from processing the abuse they have endured.
“Attrition rates in domestic abuse cases are alarmingly high, often due to perpetrators pressuring survivors to withdraw. While we support efforts to reduce delays in the court system, these reforms must be accompanied by improved access to support services in the justice system. Independent Domestic Violence Advisors (IDVAs), in particular, are vital in helping survivors navigate the court process. Strengthening support systems is crucial to ensure survivors can safely and confidently pursue justice.
“The justice system has continuously failed to treat domestic abuse with the seriousness it warrants. If judges are to take on domestic abuse cases without juries, it is more vital than ever that they are properly trained. As it stands, the judiciary’s understanding of the dynamics of domestic abuse remains insufficient, so improved judicial training is absolutely essential. Domestic abuse is a serious crime, and if perpetrators are not held accountable, lives will be put at risk.
“We must be clear that a move to increase out of court disposals, like cautions, is not an appropriate response for any domestic abuse offence.
“We are also concerned that, without robust safeguards, survivors from racialised and minoritised backgrounds may face additional barriers to accessing justice.
“Survivors deserve better. The longer they are made to wait for their perpetrator to be held accountable, the greater the trauma they endure. While significant reform of the justice system is urgently needed, alongside improved funding for specialist domestic abuse services, any changes made must be firmly rooted in the safety and wellbeing of survivors.”
