Victims of sexual assault in the UK are facing devastating delays in the criminal justice system, with cases dragging on for more than a year before reaching a resolution. Wera Hobhouse, the Liberal Democrat MP for Bath, has raised alarm bells in Parliament, demanding urgent changes to address this crisis.
In a powerful speech, Hobhouse revealed that rape survivors endure an average wait of 417 days between an offender being charged and the case concluding in the Crown Court. She condemned this prolonged limbo as “unacceptable” and highlighted a startling statistic: despite over 71,000 rapes recorded by police in 2024, fewer than three percent result in charges.
“This backlog is not only a bureaucratic failure—it is deeply damaging to survivors who deserve timely and just outcomes,” Hobhouse told fellow MPs. She criticized the government for ignoring repeated warnings about the growing justice system delays, emphasizing that years of discussion have yet to produce meaningful progress.
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“The Government must break down the barriers blocking reform and prioritize swift justice. Survivors should not have to wait over a year for answers,” Hobhouse urged.
In response, Sarah Sackman, Minister for Courts and Legal Services, acknowledged the urgent need to tackle serious sexual offences. She stressed the importance of investment, structural reforms, and the integration of new technologies to enhance court efficiency.
Sackman also confirmed that the Government eagerly awaits the second part of the Independent Review of the Criminal Courts, led by Sir Brian Leveson, which aims to provide recommendations to expedite justice, especially for victims of serious sexual crimes.