RAPE victims are waiting up to five years before their cases come to trial.
On average, it takes more than a year — 393 days — from a suspect being charged to a case reaching court.
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And that is after it typically takes 317 days for a decision to bring charges to be made following a complaint of rape or serious sexual violence.
But Charlotte Caulton-Scott, who heads a CPS rape and sex crimes unit in the East Midlands, said it can take much longer.
She added: “Having to wait between two and five years for a trial over something traumatic that has happened is devastating.”
The alarming picture emerged as Director of Public Prosecutions Stephen Parkinson outlined measures to help victims.
He said the lengthy delays had led to a five-fold increase in victims withdrawing their complaints over the past four years.
In the first three months of this year alone, 62 have given up.
But steps to help include a new unit of dedicated victim liaison officers to soothe concerns about cases.
The CPS has already appointed more than 40 VLOs and is training 550 staff on how best to deal with victims.
Mr Parkinson is also trying to boost the number of lawyers prosecuting rape and sex cases to try to reduce delays. Adult victims are now being offered pre-trial meetings with the CPS.
Mr Parkinson said: “I know of the dark shadow people waiting for criminal proceedings are living under — it can prevent healing.
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“Consistent, clear communication is vital to support victims. Frankly, we know we haven’t been getting this right.”
Victims minister Alex Davies-Jones said: “It takes immense bravery for victims to speak out, and they deserve to feel supported on every step of their journey.”
