Is the British Criminal Justice System Biased Against Victims?

By Jason King•April 4, 2025•

6 min read

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Is the British Criminal Justice System Biased Against Victims?

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• Victims can feel that authorities are not taking their case seriously and may even feel blamed for their situation.

• Many victims hear that there’s not enough evidence to proceed, often without a clear explanation, leaving them feeling let down by the system.

• Despite efforts to speed up cases, victims still face long delays and the emotional strain of facing the accused in court.

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One of the most significant obstacles victims face is feeling dismissed by the police. The first step of reporting a crime can be daunting, and victims expect empathy and urgency. Instead, some report feeling like the authorities see them as the problem.

This is particularly true for survivors of , who often say their complaints are ignored. This mirrors past systemic failings, like those exposed in a in the 1980s. The program revealed how mishandled a rape allegation, leading to public outrage and reforms, including establishing a dedicated rape squad with female officers.

Today, similar systemic change is needed to address how grooming gang victims are treated. Just as public pressure led to reforms decades ago, raising awareness and demanding accountability now can drive improvements.

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Many victims are understandably frustrated when they hear that there isn’t enough evidence to take their case to trial. For them, the courtroom represents both . However, the must ensure that only cases with a realistic prospect of conviction go to court.

This can feel unfair, but moving forward with weak evidence risks not only failing to convict but also undermining the itself. A decision to drop a case does not reflect on the victim’s credibility. Victims remain entitled to .

While it may seem that , the system’s priority is to allocate resources efficiently to cases most likely to result in a conviction. Moreover, even when cases don’t go to trial, victims’ stories can still shape policy and awareness, as seen after the exposed widespread failures in protecting grooming gang victims.

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Even when offenders are sentenced, victims often struggle with the reality that they may eventually be released. The CJS operates on the principle that once a sentence is served, the offender’s is restored, regardless of the crime’s severity.

Mechanisms like help manage risks, but they don’t guarantee absolute safety. Breaching these orders leads to further consequences, but they are not foolproof. The challenge is balancing with , including rehabilitation and reintegration.

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Victims sometimes feel betrayed when offenders receive lighter sentences or early release. This perception often stems from issues with . With limited capacity, the system must make difficult decisions about how to best use available space.

This situation doesn’t necessarily reflect but rather a broader systemic problem. Addressing overcrowding with would help ensure that justice is served more consistently. Until then, the CJS must balance the rights of offenders, the safety of society, and the fair treatment of victims.

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For many victims, the trial represents the . Yet, delays—sometimes stretching over a year—can feel like another betrayal. Despite perceptions, cases involving are prioritized over other serious offences, such as complex that may take years to reach trial.

Speeding up victim trials further would mean delaying cases of serious criminal networks, creating . Therefore, improving overall within the system is key to reducing delays for everyone, including victims.

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Facing the accused in court can be deeply distressing. Recognizing this, the prohibits of victims by perpetrators in . Instead, conduct these cross-examinations, reducing trauma.

Despite these improvements, victims may still face tough cross-examinations, as fairness to the accused remains a core principle. Balancing rigorous justice with continues to be a work in progress.

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During sentencing, give individuals the chance to express how the crime has affected them. These statements help judges understand the and are a crucial part of ensuring that victims feel heard and acknowledged.

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For victims, moving forward often means reclaiming control over their lives. The justice system aims to support this by offering . While the system can’t undo the harm, it can lay the foundation for healing through .

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The must balance public safety, fair punishment, offender rehabilitation, and victim needs. While it strives to support victims, it cannot fulfill every expectation, partly due to and the need to maintain fundamental legal principles, such as .

There are undeniable , but real improvements come from . Recent reforms, such as those reducing excessive cross-examination of vulnerable victims, demonstrate that .

Some dissatisfaction stems from within the CJS, which can only be resolved through comprehensive reform. Addressing court backlogs, resource shortages, and communication issues would help deliver for all involved.

While the system may never fully meet every demand, can better address the diverse roles it must fulfill. Balancing the needs of is not easy, but through persistent effort and , progress is achievable.

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Filed Under:

Crime

Is the British Criminal Justice System Biased Against Victims?

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Jason King

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