A DAMNING study published today reveals the extent of the government’s failure to support domestic-abuse victims over the lockdown period.

Victims of domestic abuse have been encouraged by police to take civil action rather than criminal prosecution due a backlog of nearly 50,000 serious criminal cases, charity Victim Support found.

And victims also reported being left in limbo after being told their cases will not get to trial until 2022.

Labour’s shadow justice secretary David Lammy said: “Ten years of cuts and court closures combined with the government’s incompetent handling of the pandemic has let victims down. 

“Victims of domestic abuse in particular urgently need additional support as the country looks ahead to months more of lockdown restrictions.

“The backlog of serious criminal cases must finally be prioritised by ministers. Justice delayed is justice denied.”

The survey found that 66 per cent of respondents believe the lockdown has created extra barriers to dealing with the criminal-justice system.

Victim Support is calling for more funding for services supporting victims and survivors to meet an increase in demand as well as significant action to address the backlog of cases awaiting trial.

The government acknowledged that coronavirus household isolation instructions can cause anxiety for those who are experiencing or feel at risk of domestic abuse. 

“There is never an excuse for domestic abuse, no matter what the circumstances are,” the Home Office said. “Household isolation instructions as a result of coronavirus do not apply if you need to leave your home to escape domestic abuse.”