Domestic abuse charity calls for faster prosecutions

A domestic abuse charity has called for the criminal justice system to process cases more quickly.

Bristol based non-profit, Next Link, says lengthy delays in investigations and court cases could act as a deterrent for victims in pursuing a prosecution.

This follows the conviction this week of former footballer, Joey Barton, for assaulting his wife, Georgia Barton, in 2022, though the case was initially adjourned after the latter retracted her allegations.

Next Link CEO, Sarah O'Leary said that if court cases and investigations were carried out more quickly, alongside improved safeguarding for victims, that confidence in the system would improve.

According to Avon and Somerset Police, an average of almost 24,000 domestic abuse crimes were recorded each year between 2022 and 2024, with only around 8% of those cases leading to a charge.

The force's lead for this type of crime, Det Supt Kristina Windsor said that it took an average of 30 incidents before a victim actually contacted the police in the first place.

She said there were multiple reasons why someone could disengage from the process, citing "a real lack of understanding of why people withdraw from the criminal justice system."

"There's lots of reasons: a lack of trust in the system, lack of trust in us, and fear around what's going to happen."

Next Link CEO, Sarah O'Leary said victims could often feel more at risk from the perpetrator during the time it took to report the crime, and for it to come before the courts.

She explained that this lengthy process gave the perpetrators a chance to convince the victim to drop their case.

"It's such an overwhelming and daunting experience. Often perpetrators will get in there before the case goes to court and try and either persuade the victims that it won't happen again, or actually make them feel like it's going to make their life worse."

Ms O'Leary said that offenders would try a multitude of tactics to frighten or coerce the victim into not withdrawing their case: "They can make victims feel like they're a terrible parent for example. That they'll take their children from their care."

A Next Link service user spoke to BBC Radio Bristol of the importance of taking those first steps in breaking away from an abusive partner.

Emma first engaged with the charity in 2021, when she attended A&E for injuries sustained during an assault.

She left her abusive partner in 2023, at which point she was allocated a domestic abuse independent advisor which she said "changed her life".

Emma encouraged people not to waste any time in seeking the help they need from the charity.

"Just to be heard and supported, and most importantly believed.

"There's so many reasons why you may not contact the police, or so many reasons that stop you from giving evidence in court, or speaking up.

"You are in a safe place with Next Link and they fully understand and fully support you. I cannot say enough praise for Next Link, I'm just so grateful that they exist."

If you have been affected by any of the issues raised in this story you can visit BBC Action Line.

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