Our View: Courts backlog scandal delays justice for thousands of rape and sexual assault survivors

Victims are facing long waits for their cases to reach court (Pic by Alex Green)

Data released by the Ministry of Justice recently provides further grim evidence of the state's continuing failure to deliver justice for rape and sexual assault survivors.

The backlog in our crown courts has risen to an all-time high, according to the ministry's own quarterly figures for October, November and December last year.

Rape Crisis England and Wales is monitoring the growing backlog and addressed the issue at length in a report called Breaking Point a couple of years ago.

It says the situation is getting worse month by month. It cited the newly published Ministry of Justice data, which showed:

• The number of sexual offence cases waiting to go to the crown court is now 11,981 – an increase of 41% in two years.

• There are now 3,489 adult rape cases waiting to go to trial – an increase of 70% in two years.

• There are 1,646 child rape cases waiting to go to trial - a 30% increase since 2022

  
  

Carl Martin, direct services manager at the New Futures Project, said: "The project is aware of these damning statistics and this situation is what can only be described as a national disgrace and an issue that has been prevalent for far too long.

"We call for immediate action to remedy the backlog immediately and give people the support and justice they deserve.

"Many individuals and charities will be watching with intent and hopefully hold the government to account because these figures are completely unacceptable."

Ciara Bergman, CEO, at Rape Crisis England & Wales said: "The latest crown court statistics showing yet another record high in the number of sexual offence cases waiting to go to trial are appalling.

"Nobody who has been through the trauma of rape or any form of sexual assault should have to face these delays.

"Our 2023 Breaking Point report clearly outlined the immense and devastating impact that these delays have on victims and survivors.

"That the backlog has reached yet another record high is disastrous for those seeking justice and demonstrates the need for urgent reform."

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The New Futures Projects supports women and young people who have been raped or sexually assaulted

Rape Crisis calls for urgent action to reduce delays, including the 'fast-tracking' of cases, specialist sexual offence courts and financial backing for services which support survivors through the criminal justice process and beyond.

The court backlog for all offences has reached 73,000 - also a record high. Last month, Lord Chancellor and Secretary of State for Justice Shabana Mahmood announced a number of measures to address the backlog, including thousands of extra sittings.

The government, which has pledged to halve violence against women and girls in a decade, is also increasing spending on court buildings to ensure they are able to run at full capacity.

She said: “This Government inherited a record and rising courts backlog, with justice delayed and denied for far too many victims.

"Bearing down on that backlog is an essential element of our Plan for Change, bringing offenders to justice to keep our streets safe.

"Funding a record number of sitting days is a critical first step. But there is more that we must and we will do. I have asked Sir Brian Leveson to consider radical reforms to deliver the swifter justice that victims deserve."

The New Futures Project offers a comprehensive welfare and counselling service for women and young people dealing with sexual abuse or exploitation, domestic violence, trafficking, poverty and debt, substance use or mental ill-health.

Call us on 0116 251 0803 or send us a message at: info@new-futures.org.uk

You can find us at 71 London Road, Leicester, LE2 0PE.