Cases involving sexual assault being reported in the media this week has once again highlighted the devastating reality faced by many survivors of abuse across England and Wales.

For many survivors of abuse, reporting what happened to them is only the beginning of a long and emotionally exhausting process. As we have seen in recent times, delays in the criminal justice system, low conviction rates and fears about not being believed can unfortunately discourage survivors from seeking help at all.

This week has seen two young female rape survivors’ perpetrators avoid facing custodial sentences despite being found guilty to numerous rape charges. The case concerns two young girls who, at the time of the assaults aged just 14 and 15, were raped during separate incidents in Hampshire, England in late 2024 and early 2025 by two 14-year-old boys. A further 13-year-old boy was also convicted for his involvement in one of the assaults.

The two girls were subjected to horrific and prolonged attacks that have left lasting trauma far beyond the assaults themselves. The first survivor was raped three times in an underpass near the River Avon in Fordingbridge before being pressured into further sexual acts while being filmed. Fearing for her safety, she believed the perpetrators were going to throw her into the river if she refused to comply.

The second girl was assaulted after meeting the boys at Fordingbridge Recreation Ground and was raped multiple times in a field. During the attack, one perpetrator allegedly pushed her to the ground and used a knife to cut her clothing before forcing himself on her. The trial revealed how the defendants filmed the assaults on their phones and shared some of the footage online for others to watch.

 The trial heard that the girls were “significantly outnumbered” and endured unimaginable suffering; suffering that did not end when the attacks stopped but is likely to remain with them for the rest of their lives.

Following their convictions, the boys were not sentenced to custody but were instead given youth rehabilitation orders, despite between them having received 10 convictions for rape offences. This has sparked much public outcry and conversation in the media this week around the current crisis survivors of abuse face in England and Wales when trying to seek justice through the court system.

The reality of this, is that these assaults will impact the survivor’s life forever more. Further this will impact their loved ones around them. We see how an individual’s education, friendships and family life can be greatly impacted by this event, day to day tasks or trust of authority can be wiped out whilst the perpetrators after a short period of ‘rehabilitation’ will go on to lead normal lives.

Many sexual abuse survivors don’t come forward because they fear they will not be believed or even when they are, the perpetrator will not face justice after they are required to relive these traumatic events in front of a court room.

Such leniency provides a message to perpetrators that these horrendous crimes will not result in punishment. In a world where we have active role models like Andrew Tate to young men, this sentence further demonstrates to young people that such crimes are not being dealt with a way to support a safe society. The question being where is the deterrent?

Although the boys’ sentences are to be referred to the Court of Appeal, the sentences handed down have understandably sparked significant concern about how rape and other sexual offences are treated within this jurisdiction. This is particularly striking at a time when violence against women and girls is frequently described as an “epidemic.”

The case has inevitably prompted concerning debate about the message such outcomes send both to perpetrators of these offences and to victims considering whether to come forward. Media coverage and public discussion have highlighted the distress caused by the decision, especially among survivors of abuse who fear that outcomes in cases such as this may discourage other victims from reporting offences in the future.

Public outrage will hopefully further drive awareness of this decision and many others like it in the hope of change.

The Reality of Delays in England and Wales

One of the most difficult aspects of abuse cases in England and Wales is the length of time it can take for cases to reach court. Recent data continues to show significant pressure on the criminal justice system, with court backlogs remaining high across England and Wales that is often being described as a “horror show”.

For survivors, these delays are not simply administrative problems; they can prolong trauma, create anxiety and make it harder to move forward with life. Many individuals spend months or even years waiting for investigations, charging decisions and trial dates.  This waiting period can be particularly distressing for survivors of childhood abuse or sexual violence, where recounting experiences repeatedly to different agencies may itself be retraumatising. Sadly, the impact of these issues is having a devasting impact for survivors, with the number of rape and sexual assault victims pulling out of prosecutions before trial more than doubling as they feel they cannot go through with the case as we have seen record delays in the courts system in England and Wales. This is because survivors feel unable to continue, particularly where delays, lack of support or concerns about being disbelieved become overwhelming.

The Importance of Being Believed

One of the most common concerns we hear from survivors is, “Will anyone believe me?” Sadly, many survivors have felt ignored, dismissed or blamed after disclosing abuse. Public inquiries and high-profile cases over recent years have repeatedly shown how institutions sometimes failed to listen when concerns are first raised. (link blog post to believe me here).

This is why trauma-informed and survivor-focused approach is essential. Being believed means survivors are treated with compassion, respect and seriousness from the outset. It means recognising the courage it takes to disclose abuse and ensuring victims are not made to feel responsible for what happened to them. For many survivors, simply being heard properly for the first time can be a hugely important step in recovery.

Reporting your abuse at the earliest opportunity, reaching out to a loved one and seeking specialist support is key, do not suffer in silence.

Support Groups

Support organisations, counselling services and survivor networks can provide invaluable emotional support during investigations and legal proceedings. Many survivors benefit from speaking with others who understand the impact abuse can have on mental health, relationships, confidence and daily life.

Two charities that offer support to sexual abuse survivors are:-

• Rape Crisis England & Wales
• SurvivorsUK | We challenge the silence to support sexually abused men

Support groups can help reduce isolation and remind survivors that they are not alone. These groups are now more important than ever amid recent times when survivors are facing countless issues with convictions against perpetrators and court backlogs and need extra support. This is because, access to specialist counselling and advocacy services is particularly important during lengthy investigations or court proceedings, where stress and uncertainty can become overwhelming.

Help is out there and we believe that no survivor should have to face the process unsupported. At Switalskis, we care and can help signpost you to specialist support that is accessible to you and provide you with legal advice regarding your specific situation.

Achieving Justice

Our highly experienced solicitors know that justice looks different for every survivor, and sometimes different avenues are more appropriate to be explored than others depending on the circumstances of the case and a survivor’s experience. Whether that be securing a criminal conviction, receiving compensation through a civil claim, receiving an apology or simply exposing the failings of what doing that was done to them. We recognise the importance of all of these and the impact achieving these can have.

Crucially, even where criminal proceedings are unsuccessful or not pursued, survivors may still have options to pursue accountability and justice through civil abuse claims.

At Switalskis, we know that survivors deserve better and that they deserve to be listened to, treated with dignity and supported throughout every stage of the legal process. We understand how difficult it can be to take the first step. We can provide expert legal advice in relation to making a civil compensation claim for abuse. Our role is not only to provide legal advice, but also to ensure survivors feel supported, informed and empowered throughout their claim. No survivor should suffer in silence or feel as though that they will not be taken seriously or deserve justice. What matters the most in these cases is that survivors are treated fairly, compassionately and with dignity throughout the process.

Can Switalskis Help Me?

If you or someone you know has been affected by abuse, support is available. If you are considering seeking justice in the civil courts, our specialist abuse claims solicitors are here to help. We offer confidential, no-obligation advice to survivors of sexual abuse. Speaking to a solicitor in our team does not mean you have to take legal action, but understanding your options can be an important first step in knowing what your rights are.

To speak with our team in confidence, contact us via the form below or call 0800 1380458 .