Justice system ‘broken’ says rape crisis charity in East of England

Latest statistics from the Home Office showed that domestic abuse-related crimes (which predominantly impact women) rose by 109% between 2015-16 and 2022-23 in the East of England.

In total, the number of domestic-related crimes rose from 59,213 to 124,082.

Norfolk saw a rise of 157%, while Cambridgeshire, Essex, Suffolk and Thames Valley saw rises of about 130%. Bedfordshire saw a rise of about 70%, Hertfordshire 58% and Northamptonshire 53%.

According to the charity Refuge, external, 84% of the victims of domestic abuse cases are women.

Ms Thomas raised concerns about violence against women and the delays in the criminal justice system.

She said she hoped Sir Keir’s talk of halving violence would help campaigning organisations.

“There’s a shortage of barristers and delays from magistrates to Crown Court which should be within two years and it is taking longer than two years,” she said.

“So to halve it I think is a sweeping statement.”