Domestic abuse concernsWritten evidence to the inquiry raised serious concerns about the impact of delays on families experiencing domestic abuse. Shortages of judges and social workersA shortage of district judges and social workers is a key driver of the backlog. Case durations are particularly long in London and the South East, averaging 53 weeks compared to 24 weeks in Wales. The PAC found no systematic assessment of workforce needs and called for clarity on how the government plans to address these shortages. Alternatives to courtDelays increase the likelihood that family circumstances change before cases are resolved, triggering new assessments and further hearings.