Forty per cent more rape victims abandon cases as court delays worsen [Video]

27 November 2024, 05:31 | Updated: 27 November 2024, 09:46

The number of rape victims in England and Wales abandoning their cases rose by 40% in the first six months of this year, amid the growing courts backlog.

Analysis of data from the Crown Prosecution Service shows 147 rape complainants walked away from prosecutions between January and June, after a suspect was charged.

The Criminal Bar Association says it’s an increase of 41% compared to the same six months of 2023.

Victims have told of feeling re-traumatised because of lengthy court delays, with fears hundreds more trials will be postponed as part of cost cutting measures.

Chloe*, from Merseyside, reported being sexually assaulted in 2022. She’s now facing a four year wait for the case to go to trial.

Read more: Court delays preventing rape victims from coming …