Report confirms problems in the criminal justice system for survivors of abuse
Jordans Solicitors have over the years acted on behalf of many survivors of sexual abuse in civil proceedings who have also been involved in criminal investigations and then criminal proceedings against the alleged abuser or abusers.
Unfortunately, these investigations and proceedings can often from the outside appear to be very slow moving. In extreme cases, the case can often take years to investigate and then a further lengthy period of delay for the Crown Prosecution Service to make charging decisions in particular where there may be multiple possible defendants.
Operation Soteria was launched in 2021 with an aim to increase the number of adult rape and serious sexual assault cases reaching charges against the alleged perpetrator and to deliver a better outcome for the survivors of sexual abuse. It was then implemented across all the police forces in England and Wales in 2023.
His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire and Rescue Services has recently published a report assessing the progress of the operation. Nine forces were assessed and the inspectors were told by personnel in those forces of a positive cultural change with new training methods helping investigators understand the survivors of abuse and their response to trauma. However, they also found that in nearly every force involved in the assessment half of the rape investigation teams are still in training and are not yet fully qualified. Half of the roles were held by trainees.
It was recognised that there were demand issues and limited resources and that cases often took too long to reach trial. It was found that the survivors of abuse often wait at least 2 years to reach trial. Concern was also expressed about the availability of future funding for the operation.
It was widely reported in the media that the review had found that the investigation of rape and serious sexual offences were being delayed because the officers involved were being diverted to police football matches and festivals. This sometimes led to the investigators cancelling appointments with the survivors of the abuse or delaying arrests.
In our experience, there are also lots of other reasons for the delays. COVID obviously delayed a number of criminal trials and has contributed to the backlog in the criminal justice system. Delays in the ongoing investigation or criminal case often has an adverse effect on the mental health of the complainant which may then further delay matters. This also potentially has a knock-on effect for other complainants in the case. There can often be a change of personnel involved in the case in particular when the matter is with the Crown Prosecution Service for a long time which can delay the charging decision.
In response to the review, the Home Office issued the following statement: -
"This government will make sure victims of rape or sexual abuse get the justice they deserve. While we welcome the progress being made, in far too many cases victims are being let down. That's why it is so important that the police continue to make long-lasting improvements and put perpetrators behind bars."
Jordans Solicitors fully support the aim of the operation and anything which will help our clients achieve justice within the criminal justice system. It is however clear that although progress has been made there are still significant issues to be overcome.
Jordans solicitors are acting on behalf of vulnerable children and young adults whom it is alleged have been sexually abused.
Compensation is a small step towards taking control of your life and getting the justice you deserve.
We understand how difficult it can be for you to talk about the abuse you suffered during your childhood. That’s why our specially trained child abuse solicitors work closely alongside psychologists and barristers to support you both emotionally and legally.
Justice for child abuse survivors should be accessible no matter how long ago it happened. That’s why we fought for a landmark change in the law, which allows an abuse claim to be brought before a court regardless of when it took place.
Contact Us
If you or your child have been affected by anything in this article and would like to speak to one of our highly qualified abuse team members in confidence, then please do not hesitate to contact us. Our highly skilled abuse team will advice you on the available options for pursuing a civil damages claim.
Jordans successfully represent and secure compensation for numerous victims of abuse and are highly experienced in this area. They are experts in overcoming the particular challenges that arise in these types of sensitive cases.
Please contact the abuse team on 0800 9555 094