Numbers of dropped domestic abuse cases surge

New figures reported by the BBC show a significant increase in the numbers of dropped domestic abuse cases due to expired time-limits.

Data shows that almost 13,000 cases were dropped in England and Wales over five years after the authorities exceeded the six-month time limit to bring charges. Figures obtained by the BBC via a freedom of information request also reveal that 30 of the 43 police forces in England and Wales had received huge increases in allegations involving domestic abuse, but a reduction in the number of charges being brought.

From 2016-17 to 2020-21 there were at least 12,982 cases of common assault that were flagged as involving domestic abuse in which no charges were brought because the time-limit had expired. The BBC reports a 159% increase in the number of dropped cases due to time limit expiration.

Between 2016-17 and 2020-21 the total number of common assaults flagged as instances of domestic abuse increased by 71% from 99,134 to 170,013. In the same time period, the number of common assaults that resulted in charges being brought fell by 23%.

Although these figures relate to common assault cases only, reports also show that three-quarters of all domestic abuse cases, including sexual assaults, are closed early without any charges being made, with just 1.6% of rape allegations in England and Wales resulting in a suspect being charged.

The six-month time limit was initially designed to keep the criminal justice system moving, but instead it is now failing many victims and denying their access to justice. Campaigners are now calling for the police and prosecutors to be given more time and for the limit to be extended to two years.

Yvette Cooper, Labour MP, and campaign groups Victims Too and Refuge are now looking to amend the Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Bill currently making its way through Parliament, to bring legislation in line with new recommendations around the extension of time-limits.

Cooper commented,

“this is a shocking fact that thousands of cases a year – and getting worse – are just being timed out”.

“There are so many reasons why victims and survivors of domestic abuse might not be able to report an assault straight away. But then to be told that the perpetrator is just going to be let off because they’ve run out of time is completely wrong. That is why the law needs to change.”

A Government spokesman said:

“All allegations should be investigated and pursued rigorously through the courts where possible, and there is no time limit on reporting crimes such as bodily harm or those that add up to coercive behaviour.

We have invested millions into vital services to support victims throughout the pandemic, and continue to urge anyone at risk of harm to come forward and get the help they need. Perpetrators of domestic abuse do untold damage and we sympathise with any victim whose life has been affected by such acts.”

Louisa Ralfe, from the National Police Chiefs’ Council, said:

“We know there are many reasons why victims may not immediately report offences, particularly in cases of domestic abuse where victims can face coercion and other barriers to coming forward.

We are supporting the Home Office in their analysis of this issue and we will continue to work with them and the Crown Prosecution Service to understand the scale and ensure that every victim is able to achieve the justice they deserve.”