Peterborough sexual assault victims ‘failed by justice system’ as referrals increase during Covid-19

Lizzy Dening, co-vice chair of Peterborough Rape Crisis Care Group, said there has been a 53 per cent increase in referrals year-on-year between April and September, with the charity currently supporting 241 people.

The majority of these are for alleged historic sexual assaults, as well as people seeking immediate support.

Speaking to the Peterborough Telegraph, Ms Dening warned that many victims were suffering due to a lack of face-to-face appointments during lockdown, as well as large backlogs in the courts.

She said: “The feeling is nationally across rape crisis charities there will be increased need for our services post-Covid. That’s not really being addressed in the press or in terms of long-term, sustainable funding.

“The criminal justice service is failing with conviction rates of rape and sexual violence. There’s also a big backlog of cases, and with courts shut during lockdown that’s getting worse. There’s now an average of two to three years for cases to get to court, if they do get to court.

“We are having to work with clients a lot longer because of the delay, and the impact of Covid means there is a small proportion of people who can’t access remote support or it is not appropriate for them.

“They can’t log into a secure online room or make a phone call.

“Our helpline has never stopped and we have online, secure rooms, but there will be some people that’s not suitable for.”

Ms Dening, who founded Survivor Stories, a series of interviews with survivors of sexual abuse, rape and assault, said further concerns included young people being stuck at home where they are experiencing abuse, and the lack of socially distanced face-to-face support in schools.

She added that there are “damaging misconceptions about blame” with regards to victims.

However, there is still support available for anyone in need. ”Despite this expected backlog, the charity is in great shape to help survivors of current or historic abuse alike,” she added.

“We’ve never been more accessible, with support available via phone, email and our website. We’d very much like to convey that it’s never too late to seek help and that we’re also available for referrals from anyone - even if it’s about someone else.”

Peterborough Rape Crisis Care Group has run Reclaim the Night for the past three years, with dozens of women walking across the city to campaign for safer streets, although the event had to be cancelled this year due to the pandemic.

The charity has a helpline which is available twice a week - Wednesdays from 7pm to 9pm and Saturdays between 10am and noon - which can be contacted by calling 01733 852578.

Self-referrals can also be made through the website at https://www.prccg.org.uk/ or by emailing [email protected].