Sexual crime victims still facing delays in cases reaching trial

Some victims of sexual crime are still facing delays in their cases reaching trial, delaying their recovery from trauma, a report has found.

A review by HM Inspectorate of Prosecution in Scotland s a i d d e l ay s h a d a “s e r i o u s impact” on those involved in the case and may “limit their ability to move on from what may well be the most traumatic experience of their lives”.

The reporter also noted the coronavirus pandemic had resulted in significant delays in cases ready for trial.

T h e d o c u m e n t w a s p u b - lished as a follow-up to the inspectorate’s 2017 review of t h e i nve s t i g a t i o n a n d p r o s - e c u t i o n o f s e x u a l c r i m e , which made 12 recommendations aimed at supporting the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal S er vice (COPFS) to reduce the “journey time” of cases and improve communication with victims and witnesses.

The inspectorate said “considerable progress” had been made, noting eight of the 12 recommendations had been achieved, three are in progress and one is no longer relevant g i ve n c h a n g e s t o wo r k i n g practices.

However, it said delays still occur and there is scope for improving communication with victims.

L a u r a P a t o n , H M C h i e f Insp ector of Prosecution in S cotland, said: “While some v i c t i ms r e c e ive a g o o d a n d i m p r o v i n g s e r v i c e f r o m a member of staff dedicated to their case, others experience delays and gaps in communication.

“We h a v e m a d e t h r e e n ew r e co mmendat i o n s , a l l aimed at supporting further improvements in communicating with and supp or ting victims.”

T h e r e p o r t f o u n d d e l a y s occur at various stages in the investigation and prosecution of sexual crime cases, suggesting more could still be done to speed up the process.

However, inspectors noted some issues are not entirely within the p ower of COPFS to address. They said “wider action across the criminal justice system is required”.

Ms Paton said: “Delays risk victims and witnesses disengaging from the criminal justice process and risk them losing confidence in the criminal justice system.

“Delays may also put at risk their ability to give their best evidence when the trial finally takes place and may limit their ability to move on from what may well be the most traumatic experience of their lives.”