The 24-page report, leaked to The Guardian last week, revealed that tens of thousands of cases result in ‘outcome 16’ where the suspect is identified but victims do not want to pursue a prosecution. From 2015 to 2018, the proportion of outcome 16 cases rose from 33% to 48%.
The report includes civil servants’ suggestions that the lack of resources has diminished the criminal justice system’s ability to pursue rape cases. Victims’ groups believe the length of time—two years on average—from offence to conviction or acquittal may deter some victims from proceeding.
Richard Atkins QC, chair of the Bar Council, said: ‘Victims of crime should not be deterred from reporting what has happened to them because they are worried about the length of time it will take for their case to be investigated or put before a court.’
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