Victim attrition falls, but progress is “fragile” amid uncertainty over support services funding

The latest figures from the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) show a small but welcome decline in the number of victims withdrawing from the justice process after a suspect is charged – a key measure of how well the system is supporting victims to pursue justice.

However, the Victims’ Commissioner for England and Wales, Baroness Newlove, has warned that this progress is “fragile” and at risk of reversing unless the government invests in victim support services in the upcoming Spending Review.

The figures, covering October to December 2024 (Q3 2024/25), show a modest improvement in victim attrition post-charge. For adult rape cases, the rate of victim attrition fell from 11.2% in the previous quarter to 7.9%. Across all offences, the proportion of prosecutions halted because the victim did not support or was unable to support the case dropped to 5.8%, down from 6.0%.

The Commissioner attributes this improvement to the ongoing efforts of frontline victim support services, whose work helps survivors navigate the complex justice system and stay engaged with it – even in the face of record Crown Court backlogs and years-long delays.

But with many services now facing closure due to funding cuts and the rising cost of delivering support, the Commissioner has issued a stark warning to the Chancellor: invest now, or risk watching this fragile progress unravel.

Baroness Newlove, Victims’ Commissioner for England and Wales, said:

“There have long been serious concerns about victim attrition in our justice system – and with good reason. Faced with record Crown Court backlogs and years-long delays, it is sadly no surprise that many victims feel unable to stay the course in the pursuit of justice. It is a stark measure of how the system is still failing far too many.

“The latest figures, showing post-charge attrition holding steady – or even falling – are to be welcomed, even if the overall volumes remain far too high.

“That this trend has held steady, despite so many challenges, is certainly no accident. It reflects the vital role played by victim support services, which help people stay engaged with the justice process despite the many obstacles they face.

“But these services are under serious financial strain. Not only has government cut their funding, but the recent rise in employer National Insurance contributions has added further pressure – costs grants were never designed to absorb. Some centres have already closed; more will follow.

“This downward trend in victim attrition is positive but fragile. If the Chancellor wants this trend to continue, she must choose to invest in these services in the Spending Review, or risk seeing this progress unravel. That is a cost the country cannot afford.”

ENDS

Background

Source: CPS data summary Quarter 3 2024-2025

Professional victim support services play a crucial role in helping victims to cope with the aftermath of crime and remain engaged with the justice process. Research shows that victims with advocacy support are 49% less likely to withdraw. But the pressures of the court backlog – which sees victims waiting years for trial – have left services overstretched and under-resourced, with some directors warning of “unsustainable” caseloads, high staff turnover, and burnout.

In February, the Commissioner wrote to the Chancellor, highlighting an “existential crisis” for victim support charities caused by reduced funding and the increase in employer National Insurance contributions – a cost not accounted for in existing grant frameworks.

The Commissioner is calling for urgent investment in the upcoming Spending Review, which is expected to conclude this spring.