The annual CrimeCon event, a gathering of true crime enthusiasts and professionals, turned sombre this year as delegates confronted a painful reality: the British justice system is failing victims at every turn. From delayed trials to inadequate support services, the failures are not abstract statistics but lived experiences of ordinary people.
One speaker, whose daughter was murdered five years ago, described the 'second trauma' of navigating a legal process that prioritises efficiency over empathy. 'We are told to be patient, to trust the system. But patience is a luxury when you are drowning in grief and the system offers no life raft,' she said, her voice trembling. Her story resonated with many in the audience, who nodded in shared frustration.
Data from the Ministry of Justice reveals that victim support services have faced real-terms cuts of 25% since 2010. The number of Victim Liaison Officers has dropped, and waiting times for restorative justice programmes have stretched to over a year. This is not a resource issue alone; it is a political choice.
Union leaders and victims’ rights groups are calling for a Victims’ Law to enshrine minimum standards. But critics argue that without proper funding, any law is just words on paper. 'We need a justice system that sees the victim, not just the case number,' said Sarah Jones of the charity Victim Support.
The conference also highlighted the regional inequality in support. In the North East, victims wait an average of three weeks longer for initial support than those in London. Yet the government’s own impact assessments show that effective early intervention reduces long-term mental health costs.
As delegates left the hall, many felt a sense of urgency. The justice system is not just about punishment; it is about healing. And today, too few victims are getting the chance to heal.
