Responding to new government investment to support victims and reduce the criminal court backlog, Nahar Choudhury, chief executive of Solace, said:
“We welcome the government’s new investment in supporting victims throughout the justice process and cutting the extreme backlog in criminal courts. We know from survivors that court delays can impact every aspect of a woman’s life, from employment to mental health and wellbeing.
The commitment of £550 million for specialist victim support services is significant, and further detail will be essential to understand how this funding will be delivered. It is vital that these resources reach frontline organisations in a sustainable way, so survivors of domestic abuse and sexual violence can access the specialist emotional and practical support they need throughout the justice process.
We also note that while the decision to keep juries for cases such as rape may help speed up court dates, it must work alongside strengthened special measures to tackle rape myths and stereotypes that can influence jury decision making.
We look forward to continuing our work with decision makers to ensure survivors of domestic abuse and sexual violence receive swift justice and are supported, seen and heard.
We also welcome the government’s appointment of a VAWG Adviser and anticipate the launch of the VAWG Strategy soon.”