Dame Vera Baird’s (who is a Soroptimist ) has issued her first annual report since taking up the post of Victims’ Commissioner for England and Wales. It makes for sobering reading, with extensive coverage in several national newspapers.
The report highlights the ‘catastrophic decline’ in prosecutions for rape. There has been a rise in domestic violence during the lockdown. Lack of funding and delays in court cases have exacerbated the problem.
Dame Vera has called for an increase in funding. This would ensure victims’ wellbeing is put first and would deal with the backlog of cases.