Government Unlocks £147 Million Annual Funding to Boost Victim Support
The government has pledged a massive £147 million per year until 2025 to back victim support services, ditching the yearly funding uncertainty. This cash boost will help charities and service providers expand and strengthen, ready to aid more victims – crucial as Police and Crime Commissioners reveal a 15% rise in support seekers from 2019/20 to 2020/21.
More Specialist Help for Domestic Abuse Victims
The funding targets vital emotional, practical, and therapeutic support, particularly for women and girls suffering domestic abuse. It bankrolls extra Independent Domestic Violence Advisors (IDVAs) and Independent Sexual Violence Advisors (ISVAs), ensuring victims get consistent, reliable help whenever they need it.
Dominic Raab, Deputy Prime Minister and Justice Secretary, said:
“We want more victims to have the confidence to come forward, so more criminals can be prosecuted and victims get the justice they deserve.”
“We’re increasing transparency through local scorecards, rolling out pre-recorded cross-examination for rape victims to more Crown Courts, and boosting funding for vital services to £440 million over three years so victims get the support they need.”
Local Criminal Justice Scorecards Boost Transparency
New local scorecards track how quickly police investigate cases, charge suspects, and see cases through to court, with data split by police forces and courts. They include victim engagement stats, aiming to build trust and keep victims involved until justice is done. The scorecards also focus on rape and sexual violence cases, following government commitments to boost prosecution rates.
Emily Hunt, independent Government advisor on victims, said:
“Nine months after the Rape Review, many victims are still being let down. These Local Scorecards show how cases are handled locally and help hold agencies to account.”
“Prosecution rates for rape must rise, and accessible local data will help make that happen.”
Section 28 Pre-Recorded Cross-Examination Rolled Out in North East England
To ease trauma, courts in York, Grimsby, Hull, Bradford, and Teesside will soon allow rape and modern slavery victims to have their cross-examination pre-recorded before trial. This reduces distress and helps victims give clearer evidence. The measure is already in use in courts including Liverpool and Leeds.
Nicole Jacobs, Domestic Abuse Commissioner, said:
“Multi-year funding means domestic abuse victims and survivors can rely on long-term support – something these services desperately need after years of short-term handouts.”
Dame Vera Baird QC, Victims’ Commissioner for England & Wales, added:
“Scorecards reveal regional differences in victim support and court performance. But data alone isn’t enough – we need to hear victims’ voices too.”
“Expanding Section 28 helps reduce needless trauma, which is great news.”
Justice System Overhaul Builds Momentum
This fresh funding follows other government moves: a new Victims’ Bill, longer prison terms for violent offenders, and almost £440 million pumped into speeding up court cases. The relaunch of the #ItStillMatters campaign aims to raise awareness of sexual abuse support services.
Max Hill QC, Director of Public Prosecutions said:
“Supporting victims is at the heart of our mission. This funding lets the whole system back victims emotionally and legally, improving evidence quality.”
“Our Operation Soteria pilots are testing new ways to prosecute more cases swiftly. We’re on the right track but have more to do.”
David Lloyd PCC, Association of Police and Crime Commissioners Criminal Justice Lead, said:
“Local scorecards give us better insight to fix issues and improve justice delivery for victims.”
Fay Maxted OBE, CEO of The Survivors Trust, said:
“Long-term funding will help meet growing demands for therapy and advocacy. Wider Section 28 use means rape victims avoid re-traumatisation in court.”
Joe Shalam, Policy Director at the Centre for Social Justice, commented:
“These moves signal rising ambitions to protect vulnerable victims, with data transparency and pre-recorded evidence leading the way.”
Chief Constable Sarah Crew, NPCC Lead for Rape and Serious Sexual Assault, said:
“This funding is vital for victims. Our joint work with the CPS aims to boost charging and convictions, which remain too low. The scorecards bring transparency and help us improve the system.”
