Survivors of rape and serious sexual assault given the right to have cases reviewed

Victims of rape and serious sexual assaults who face their cases being dropped by prosecutors will, for the first time, be given the right to have it reviewed by a different prosecutor, as part of the Government’s pledge to halve violence against women and girls and its Plan for Change.

Under the current system, criminal cases can be stopped at any point if a prosecutor decides there is no longer a realistic prospect of conviction.

Through the changes announced today, for the first time, survivors of rape or serious sexual abuse will be offered the right for their case to be reviewed by a different prosecutor before any final decisions are made, and if that prosecutor determines there is enough evidence, the case will continue.

The move will help to restore confidence in the justice system, get victims the answers they deserve and put perpetrators behind bars.

Solicitor General Lucy Rigby KC MP said:

This Government is treating violence against women and girls with the seriousness it deserves, committing to halving this horrific crime as part of our Plan for Change.

Part of that is about empowering victims and improving their experience of the criminal justice system. That’s exactly why I have worked with the CPS on a new pilot scheme for victims of rape and serious sexual assault, which will allow victims an enhanced right of review in cases where the CPS intends to offer no evidence, importantly prior to a case being stopped.

Campaigners and experts tell me that this is what they want, and I want to thank them for their advocacy on this vital issue.