SPECIALIST courts for rape and sexual offence cases will open across England and Wales over the next two years, prime minister Andy Burnham announced.
Every crown court will have at least one dedicated courtroom, with victims able to follow proceedings remotely and give evidence via video link from a separate room, alongside private entrances and waiting rooms where possible.
Rape Crisis England and Wales called it a "significant step forward." Just 2.8 per cent of rape offences recorded by police led to prosecution in the year to March 2024, with charities blaming low prosecution rates and delays for discouraging victims from coming forward, BBC reported.
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Victims minister Alex Davies-Jones said the £23 million package, part of efforts to tackle a Crown Court backlog of 80,098 cases, includes trauma-informed staff training and a dedicated point of contact for survivors.
From next month, trials will get fixed dates rather than floating lists.
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The government linked the reforms to Labour MP Charlotte Nichols, who waived her anonymity in March to describe waiting 1,088 days for her case to reach court. "This is not good enough," said Burnham.
The Conservatives welcomed the courts but urged Labour to abandon plans restricting jury trials, with shadow justice secretary Nick Timothy calling delays "a disgrace."
Rishi Sunak in conversation with Ed Smith. MCC-Jed Leicester
Rishi Sunak gets attentive audience while delivering Cowdrey Lecture. MCC-Jed Leicester
Rishi Sunak playing cricket in the garden at 10 Downing Street. Amit Roy
Rishi Sunak batting at The Oval. Amit Roy
Rishi Sunak batting at The OvalAmit Roy
Rishi Sunak batting at The Oval.Amit Roy
Rishi Sunak batting at The OvalAmit Roy
Rishi Sunak batting at The OvalAmit Roy
Rishi Sunak delivers Cowdrey Lecture pic two. MCC-Jed Leicester
Rishi Sunak in conversation with Ed Smith. MCC-Jed Leicester
