Women’s Aid statement in response to new CPS data on domestic abuse prosecutions
Today, the Crown Prosecution Service released its quarterly report of domestic abuse prosecution rates, including data on so-called ‘honour-based’ abuse and forced marriage. The number of completed prosecutions for domestic abuse flagged cases remains largely static, reducing by 0.8% from 12,832 in Q1 23/24 to 12,731 in Q2 23/24. The conviction rate also remained static at 76.0% this quarter, for the third quarter in a row. The number of completed prosecutions and convictions over the past year for honour-based abuse (rolling year to date figure) has gone from 60 in Q2 23/24 to 65 in Q2 23/25. The number of convictions over the same periods has gone from 38 to 47. The number of completed prosecutions for marriage has stayed static at 23 and convictions have gone down from 21 to 18.
Sarika Seshadri, head of research Women’s Aid, comments:
“It is highly concerning to see from the new Crown Prosecution Data that prosecutions and convictions for crimes against women continue to be largely static. From our work with survivors, we know that a key reason for them not reporting crimes to the police is the fear of not being believed, which is only exacerbated by these findings.
Reluctance to report is even higher amongst Black and minoritised women, who are disproportionately impacted by so-called ‘honour-based’ abuse and forced marriage. There remain very poor responses to these forms of violence against women, and we know Black and minoritised women continue to face disbelief, racist stereotypes and poor responses when they seek help. A recent report from Imkaan and the Centre for Women’s Justice on the deaths of Black and minoritised women in the context of domestic abuse also found that a lack of understanding of so called ‘honour-based abuse’ could inhibit recognition of the severely heightened risk faced by women.
Urgent action is needed to improve women’s trust in the criminal justice system – they must feel that they are believed and that the perpetrators committing these heinous crimes against them will be held to account. We are calling for all those working with survivors to undergo specialist training on all forms of violence against women to ensure that investigations are robust and prosecution rates improve.
It is only by having trust in the justice system that survivors can pursue a prosecution and ensure a life free from abuse.”