As delays to child sexual abuse trials increase, we’re calling on the Government to strengthen the Victims and Prisoners Bill.
New data from the Ministry of Justice shows the average number of days between a defendant in child sexual abuse cases being charged and the criminal trial starting increased by 55% in the last five years.1
As part of a coalition of leading children’s charities, we’re calling on the Government to amend the Victims and Prisoners Bill to create a child-centred, sufficiently resourced and accountable justice system.
We’re joined by Barnardo’s, Action for Children, The Children’s Society and the National Youth Advocacy Service, who, like us, are committed to protecting children and strengthening the criminal justice response.
Ahead of the Bill’s second reading in the House of Lords on Monday 18 December, the children’s charities want to see a commitment to improving support for children experiencing abuse and exploitation including providing sufficient and specific support to child victims as they go through the court process.
In addition, the NSPCC is calling on the Government to overhaul the criminal justice system, provide significant investment to address the current backlogs in the court, and fast-track cases involving young witnesses and victims.