Government announces new right for rape victims to review CPS case drops
The government announced a new right for rape victims to request an independent review before the Crown Prosecution Service decides to drop their case.
The Full Story
A plain summary built from the channels that reported this story.
The government has announced a new right for victims of rape and sexual assault in England and Wales to request an independent review before the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) decides to drop their case. The change, described as a landmark move, is designed to give victims a second chance at justice and ensure their voices are heard earlier in the process.
The announcement was made by Solicitor General Ellie Reeves, who said the reform was driven by the experiences of survivors. One such survivor, Jade Blue, told how she reported a rape in March 2017 and went through a three-and-a-half-year justice process full of delays. Just 13 days before her trial was due to start, the CPS told her the case would be closed and marked as "no evidence" because the defence had put forward a claim of sexomnia. Blue said the existing victim's right to review was limited and did not allow her case to be reopened, even after the CPS admitted mistakes and apologised.
Under the new policy, victims will have the opportunity to have their case reviewed before a final decision to offer no evidence is made. Reeves said that if Blue had had that opportunity, her case would have continued and she would have had the chance to go to court. Blue called the change a "huge step forward" and a "game changer" for victims and survivors.
The reform is part of a wider government strategy to halve violence against women and girls within a decade, published last December. Reeves also highlighted other measures, including pre-trial meetings for victims of rape and serious sexual violence with the prosecution team, which is now being expanded to victims of domestic abuse in the Crown Court. She said it was important not just to listen to survivors but to act on their experiences to make the system better for those who come forward in the future.
On screen
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Key Claims
Claims reported during this story's coverage, mapped by channel. Ordered by how many channels carried each claim.
| Claim | Channel 5 |
|---|---|
| Government announced a new right for rape victims to request an independent review before CPS drops their case, applicable to England and Wales. | |
| Government published a cross-government strategy to halve violence against women and girls in a decade. |
Channel Perspectives
What each channel focused on, with key quotes.
The channel focused heavily on the personal story of survivor Jade Blue, using her experience to illustrate the need for the reform. The interview format allowed for an emotional, victim-centred narrative, with the Solicitor General responding directly to Blue's case. The tone was sympathetic and supportive, emphasising the human impact of the policy change.
- “A huge change is coming to the justice system across England and Wales Anyone who reports rape or sexual assault will be given the right to an independent review before the Crown Prosecution Service can drop the case”
- “It's a landmark move designed to give victims a second chance at justice”
- “I think it's going to be an absolute game changer for victims and survivors to be able to have their voices heard while going through the justice system”
Broadcast Timeline
News broadcasts tracked for this story, in time order.