The charity Victim Support released a report on Thursday revealing that prolonged delays in the UK court system are leading to severe mental health impacts on survivors of sexual violence. These impacts include post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), suicidal thoughts, and even a suicide attempt.

The report focused on victims of sexual violence whose cases have reached court. It surveyed 40 victim-survivors of sexual violence and specialists and analyzed 38 cases that went through the courts between March and October 2023. It found that in half of the cases, courts waited more than three years after the victim reported the crime to the police to hold the first court date. During these extended delays, many survivors were left without updates, some going months without any communication, adding to the trauma of the initial assault. Crucially, the delays do not end with the first court date. Victim Support found that nearly half (47 percent) of the cases were adjourned, often repeatedly, with little or no explanation given to survivors. These adjournments, often happening at the last minute, left survivors in a perpetual state of anxiety. For some, the impact on their mental health was so severe that they had suicidal thoughts. The report detailed how one young person tried to take their own life as a result of the trauma of going to court.

According to the report, victims also endured re-traumatization during cross-examination. Three-quarters (73 percent) of victims were subjected to questions rooted in rape myths. For example, many were asked what they did to prevent the crime or were accused of seeking revenge. Kate, a victim-survivor of sexual assault, said, “She [defence barrister] was implying a lot of the time that I had made it up … and she asked me what I was wearing and that really didn’t sit right with me because I don’t think it’s about that at all.” Victim Support is calling for an end to these practices that perpetuate harmful stereotypes.

Victim Support CEO Katie Kempen said the report’s findings should act as a wake-up call to the criminal justice system. She stated:

Victim-survivors who go to court are left dealing not only with the impact of the crime, but also their experience of the criminal justice system. The process is re-traumatising people and profoundly damaging their mental health – many regret that they ever reported the crime to the police. This research must be a catalyst for change – victim-survivors are paying way too high a price for justice.

The government has also pledged action to reduce court delays and waiting time. Victims Minister Alex Davies-Jones said that “reducing waiting times for victims is a priority for me and this Government, which is why we have committed to fast-tracking rape cases through the justice system stating that the government is exploring ways to fast-track rape cases.” However, for many victim-survivors, this may come too late. Ellie, another victim-survivor of sexual violence, reflected, “In my mind, it doesn’t make sense that this man wouldn’t have done this to someone else over those five years … if this whole process had happened faster, it could have prevented more victims.”