It is alarming that victims are losing faith in the criminal justice system
A survey published today suggests less than half of victims would report to the police again based on their experience of the justice system.
APCC Joint Victims' Leads Donna Jones and Sophie Linden said: “Increasing victims’ confidence is a critical priority for Police and Crime Commissioners, so it is alarming that victims are losing faith in the criminal justice system.
"More needs to be done right now to tackle the backlog in our courts or there is a real risk victims that the victim experience will further deteriorate. Justice delayed is justice denied, and if victims of crime are not confident to report they won't receive the help they desperately need.
“We know there are a host of reasons why victims feel that reporting a crime may not be worth their while. They may doubt they will be believed; they may doubt the police’s ability to solve their crime; or they may be afraid of having to give evidence at court.
“Work is ongoing to address all these concerns – most notably in cases of violence against women and girls – but this sobering report reminds us that there is still a long way to go, especially with Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic victims.
"It appears more victims are being offered the opportunity to make a Victim Personal Statement at court, which is to be welcomed, but what is urgently needed is a Victims Law to put these rights on a statutory footing.
"And, while PCCs have been putting more money into the services we commission to offer as many victims as possible the tailored help they need, we need longer term sustainable funding to deliver on that ambition. Surely we owe victims that much?"