Derbyshire Police and Crime Commissioner Angelique Foster has voiced concern at the findings of a new national survey revealing falling levels of confidence among victims of crime.

Victims’ Commissioner Dame Vera Baird QC collated the responses of nearly 600 victims of crime in a survey launched this summer.

The survey found that less than half of all victims (43 per cent) would consider reporting a crime to police again on the basis of their previous experiences.

Meanwhile, 66 per cent of victims felt they had waited too long before their case came to court, with only nine per cent of victims believing the courts dealt with cases promptly.

Responding to the findings, Commissioner Angelique Foster said: “Victims of crime must be our priority. The results of this survey are concerning.

“Without victims coming forward, there is no justice yet all too often they are left to fend for themselves."

Angelique Foster, Derbyshire's Police and Crime Commissioner 

She added: “It is imperative victims receive the right care and support they deserve. I will ensure they are put first and foremost in Derbyshire and will be prioritising the needs of victims of crime in my police and crime plan.

“I will also actively drive work with partners to identify what improvements are needed to deliver a system that can and does deliver a better deal for victims.”

Many victims expressed their disappointment with the court process and specifically the courts backlog.

The Crown Court backlog of cases, which was further exacerbated by the Covid-19 pandemic, now stands at around 59,000 cases.

The Victims Commissioner release and report can be found here: https://victimscommissioner.org.uk/news/2021-victim-survey/

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