Published date:
Responding to the publication of the Public Prosecution Service (PPS) Statistical Bulletin: Cases Involving Sexual Offences 2022/23, Commissioner Designate for Victims of Crime Geraldine Hanna said:
“Sadly these statistics show the harsh realities facing victims of sexual crime in the justice system. What we can never lose sight of is that behind each of these statistics is an individual with a life that’s been seriously impacted while their case goes through the system.
“The fact that the number of files the PPS received increased by 23.1% from 1,509 in 2021/22 to 1,858 in 2022/23, shows the serious extent of this issue in Northern Ireland. If this increase reflects an increased confidence in victims to come forward that should be welcomed, but more must be done to make sure they are not disappointed or re-traumatised when they do so.
“Victims have told me that it takes too long for a decision to be made on whether their case will go to court. These figures show the median days for the issue of indictable prosecution decisions (prosecution in the Crown Court) in cases involving sexual offences was 272 calendar days – that’s almost nine months. I know many of these cases are complex and require time, however, I am also aware that the PPS are working hard to make improvements on this where they can.
“The fact that the number of cases meeting the test for prosecution has dropped from 35.5% last year to 27.3% this year is also a real cause for concern and requires further investigation to understand the root causes of that change.
“Bulletins like the one issued by PPS today are to be welcomed, but there is more work to be done by all Criminal Justice Organisations to work together to capture and collate accurate data. This is vital if we are to understand a victim’s journey through the criminal justice system and identify ways to improve their experience.”