Specialist courts for rape cases to be rolled out across England and Wales
Also reported by Guardian World
Summary
Specialist courts specifically for rape and serious sexual offence cases will be introduced in all crown courts in England and Wales over the next two years. These courts will have private facilities for victims, special training for court staff, and fixed trial dates to improve the experience and speed up justice for survivors.Key Facts
- Each crown court will have at least one courtroom dedicated to handling rape and sexual offence cases.
- Victims will use private entrances and waiting rooms separate from defendants.
- Court staff will receive training focused on understanding trauma.
- Survivors will be assigned a single contact person for support throughout the case.
- Trials will have fixed dates instead of being placed on floating lists, reducing delays.
- The program is funded by the Ministry of Justice with an estimated cost of £23 million.
- The reforms respond to calls from survivors and advocacy groups such as Rape Crisis England and Wales.
- Labour MP Charlotte Nichols spoke publicly about her rape and long court delay to support changes to the justice system.
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