One of the biggest ever surveys undertaken with victims of crime has revealed worryingly low levels of confidence in the criminal justice system – with only four in 10 victims confident they would get justice by reporting a crime.

The survey, commissioned by the victims' commissioner, received over 6,500 responses.

Only 51% of respondents were confident that the criminal justice was fair, 46% were confident that the criminal justice system was effective, and 42% were confident they would receive justice by reporting a crime. Confidence levels were particularly low for bisexual, gay or lesbian respondents, women and disabled people.

Half of victims lacked confidence in the Crown Prosecution Service to effectively prosecute the alleged perpetrator.

A female stalking victim pleaded with the CPS to take stalking seriously, look at patterns over the years and not to be dismissive. A traffic accident victim provided ‘clear evidence’ of the incident, including pictures, CCTV, witness statements and proof of injury, but the case was dropped due to ‘lack of evidence’. A female assault victim said the alleged perpetrator was unable to be charged with assault because of backlog-related delays. Some victims criticised communications on charging decisions and case progression.

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Rape and sexual assault victims detailed their long journeys through the court system. A 19-year-old victim made a report in 2021 but the case did not reach court until 2024.

Another victim found out a week before the trial was due to begin that it was being adjourned for a year.

She said: ‘I now have to live with the fear of seeing the accused man around my homeplace and painstakingly wait another year. This is unacceptable and I was given no reason for this massive delay or reassurance that it could be moved earlier. I am strong, but a rapist is walking free for at least 2 years after being reported to the police, so not only have I been let down but also the community. I fear that other victims may be deterred from reporting if they knew this could be their wait and also the risk to their mental health, such as suicide increases.’

Victims’ Commissioner Baroness Newlove said victims doubting they would give justice if they report a crime 'should trouble us all. If victims lose faith in the system, they may stop coming forward. Justice cannot be delivered if victims are silent'.

A CPS spokesperson said: 'Victims’ voices are central to the organisational shift we are making through our Victims’ Transformation Programme, and we thank any victim who has spoken out about their experience to inform positive change... We have already begun piloting an enhanced communications service to better inform victims of any updates to their case, including updates on court dates and charging decisions, as well as providing an enhanced service for victims of rape and serious sexual offences. This body of work is vital to increase victim confidence and encourage reporting, based on the understanding that justice can be delivered.'