The Government has introduced a new pilot scheme that will give victims of rape and serious sexual assaults the right to have their cases reviewed by a different prosecutor if the case is at risk of being dropped. This new step is part of the Government’s broader commitment to reduce violence against women and girls and fulfill its Plan for Change.
Empowering Victims with the Right to a Review
Under the current system, cases can be halted if a prosecutor believes there is no realistic chance of conviction. However, the new pilot will allow victims to request a review before the case is officially dropped. If the second prosecutor determines that there is sufficient evidence to proceed, the case will continue. This change aims to restore confidence in the justice system, ensure victims’ voices are heard, and hold perpetrators accountable.
Plans to Restore Confidence in the Justice System
Solicitor General Lucy Rigby KC MP emphasized that the Government is treating violence against women and girls with the seriousness it deserves. She expressed the importance of empowering victims and improving their experience with the criminal justice system. The new scheme is designed to allow victims of rape and sexual assault to have a voice in the decision-making process and ensure that justice is served.
The pilot has been launched in the West Midlands, starting in the Rape and Serious Sexual Offences Unit of CPS West Midlands. The goal is for this program to be evaluated after six months and, if successful, potentially rolled out across the country.
Real-Life Impact: Jade Blue McCrossen-Nethercott’s Story
Jade Blue McCrossen-Nethercott, a campaigner who fought for a change after the CPS dropped her case, expressed her excitement about the new pilot. She explained how this new review process could have significantly changed the outcome of her case and many others like it. Her experience of feeling let down by the justice system has driven her to push for reforms that could help future victims get the justice they deserve.
The Importance of This Pilot
Siobhan Blake, the CPS lead for rape and Chief Crown Prosecutor of CPS West Midlands, acknowledged that the possibility of a case being stopped is deeply distressing for victims. She explained that the new pilot would allow victims to request a review of a prosecutor’s decision before the case is dropped, providing earlier clarity and reassurance.
This initiative represents a step forward in providing victims with more control over their cases and ensuring that decisions are subject to rigorous scrutiny.
Further Measures for Protecting Victims
This pilot is just one part of the Government’s ongoing commitment to improving the criminal justice system for victims of sexual abuse. Since coming into office, the Government has introduced several measures, including domestic abuse protection orders, increased funding for specialist victim support services, and steps to address stalking.
The new pilot scheme is a crucial move towards creating a more victim-centered approach to the criminal justice system. By allowing victims of serious sexual assault to request a review of decisions to drop their cases, the Government aims to rebuild trust in the system and ensure that victims are not left without justice. The pilot is set to run for six months, and if successful, it could become a nationwide initiative, offering much-needed support to victims of sexual violence across the UK.
