CPS response to HMCPSI follow-up inspection of the recommendations made in the 2020 joint inspection: ‘Joint Inspection evidence led domestic abuse prosecutions’, 16 October 2025
His Majesty's Crown Prosecution Service Inspectorate (HMCPSI) have today issued a report following their follow up inspection of the 2020 ‘Joint Inspection evidence led domestic abuse prosecutions’
The 2020 inspection looked thematically at the police and Crown Prosecution Service’ (CPS) handling of evidence led domestic abuse prosecution cases. Four recommendations were made targeted at specific areas requiring CPS improvement. In the follow up report, HMCPSI assess the progress that has been made to-date.
Over the five years since publication, work has been conducted across the CPS at a local and national level to implement the report’s recommendations. We are encouraged by HMCPSI’s recognition of the progress made to ensure the right mechanisms and frameworks are in place to support effective case handling; however, we are aware there is more work to be done to fully implement the recommendations.
In November 2024, we launched the Domestic Abuse Joint Justice Plan (DA JJP) with policing which aims to transform how we investigate and prosecute these cases. The 2020 inspection report helped shape a key strategic priority relating to evidence led prosecutions. Over the last 12 months, we have launched case strategy principles that should be used in every case so that we are being clear, that we are recording our decision making, and that we are considering right from the outset whether an evidence-led prosecution is viable.
Inspectorates’ recommendations
In the follow-up inspection, HMCPSI assessed the progress made by the CPS against each of the four recommendations. The report found that two recommendations (1 and 2) had been ‘achieved’, while two recommendations (3 and 4) had ‘not been achieved’. As a result, one new recommendation has been made to replace those that have not been achieved.
The CPS provides its responses below and will continue to work with CJS partners in order to deliver these recommendations:
1. Recommendation One:
Police supervisors and Crown Prosecution Service legal managers should maximise opportunities to share examples of good work and successful outcomes with their teams.
CPS response:
We are pleased that the inspectorate considers the first recommendation to be met. While we welcome the recognition of the efforts to promote awareness of ELP and to share good practice, the inclusion of ELP as a strategic priority in the DA JJP will help embed further improvements.
2. Recommendation Two:
As well as the Crown Prosecution Service’s bespoke e-learning, which all Area prosecutors have to complete, the police and Crown Prosecution Service should ensure that refresher training in domestic abuse, and particularly evidence led cases, is available to staff as appropriate.
CPS response:
We are pleased that the inspectorate considers the second recommendation to be met. They found the CPS has delivered good quality face-to-face DA refresher training to enable prosecutors to deal effectively with ELPs. A key message within this training is the importance of considering, from the outset, whether there is sufficient evidence to proceed without the victim, even if the victim is supportive at that stage. The ELP e-learning package was deemed comprehensive with strong take up. To build on this the CPS will mandate the completion of ELP e-learning for all prosecutors by December 2026.
3. New Recommendation (replacing recommendations 3 & 4 from 2020 inspection):
By December 2026 the Crown Prosecution Service to improve consistency of reviews in relation to the consideration of additional reasonable lines of enquiry and opportunities to strengthen cases in all case types, but in particular in domestic abuse cases so that where appropriate and necessary, domestic abuse cases can proceed without calling the victim to give evidence. By June 2027, the CPS is to have demonstrated improvement through internal assurance.
CPS response:
The CPS accepts the new recommendation. We are pleased that the inspectorate found that the right mechanisms and frameworks are in place to support effective case handling, but we recognise that compliance with policy and the proactive use of ELP ahead of victim withdrawal remain areas which require further improvement.
As part of a wider programme of work to improve case strategy, the CPS will build on the principle “future developments in the case”. It requires prosecutors to consider in advance how to proceed if a key witness withdraws their support, and to ensure this analysis is clearly reflected in case reviews and trial strategies. In addition, we will explore the introduction of technological prompts that may be available to strengthen consistency and supported by mandatory completion of ELP e-learning for new prosecutors.
These actions will enable us to deliver against the new HMCPSI recommendation.