DISABLED victims face barriers at every step of the justice process as the crimes against them are minimised, a victims’ commissioner review found today.

The report found that the criminal justice system is frequently failing disabled victims, with widespread gaps in training and awareness among professionals.

Victims encounter significant practical hurdles, including inaccessible reporting systems and courtrooms, and long delays in securing interpreters and intermediaries.

Many said they felt dismissed or disbelieved when they came forward, leaving them reluctant to report crime in the future and potentially fuelling under-reporting.

Existing research shows that disabled people are more likely to be victims of crime than non-disabled people.

Victims’ commissioner for England and Wales Baroness Newlove said: “Too often, disabled victims are confronted by impenetrable systems, inflexible procedures, and dismissive attitudes that block their path to justice.

“From the struggle to secure an interpreter for an interview, to the challenge of navigating an inaccessible courtroom, these obstacles often leave them feeling doubted, disbelieved, and dismissed.”

The review found deaf victims often face inaccessible reporting methods, with phone-based systems leaving many dependent on family or friends.

In one case, a sexual violence survivor’s three-month wait for an intermediary caused distress and compromised evidence, leading to police abandoning the case.

Neurodivergent victims also reported feeling overwhelmed by too much information or being handed written material without the chance to ask questions.

The report, endorsed by Disability Rights UK and Stay Safe East, recommends improved training for all criminal justice staff and regular accessibility audits to identify and remove barriers.

Fazilet Hadi of Disability Rights UK said that the review “puts a spotlight on profound injustices,” adding: “Disabled people face discrimination, barriers and lack of support in all aspects of our lives.

“The challenges we face with the criminal justice system are not sufficiently discussed, despite the damaging consequences they have on our lives.”

Angie Airlie of Stay Safe East, which supports disabled victims and survivors, said: “Justice often seems an unattainable concept for us as disabled people…

“Justice should be a human right and not a luxury.”

Baroness Newlove called for action, warning: “For too many disabled victims, the justice system itself is the biggest obstacle to securing justice.”

Minister for Victims and VAWG, Alex Davies-Jones, said: "As outlined in the Victims' Code, disability must never be a barrier to justice.

"From the Witness Intermediary Scheme to pre-recorded evidence, communication aids to specialist staff training, we want to ensure all voices are heard and needs are met.

"But, we always want to go further. I thank the Victims' Commissioner for her continued work championing the rights of every victim and will consider the important findings of this report."