Survivors of rape and serious sexual offences across England and Wales will soon have greater influence over prosecution decisions following the nationwide introduction of the Early Victims’ Right to Review (VRR) scheme.
The initiative, which proved successful during its pilot phase, will be available in every Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) Area from 13 July 2026, offering eligible victims an opportunity to request a review before prosecutors make a final decision not to proceed with a case.
The announcement, made by Solicitor General Ellie Reeves, represents a significant expansion of victim participation within the criminal justice process.
Pilot Success Leads to National Expansion
The Early Victims’ Right to Review programme was first introduced in the West Midlands in June 2025 before being extended to additional CPS Areas, including the North West, Yorkshire and Humberside, and Cymru-Wales.
Positive results from those trials have now paved the way for implementation across the entire justice system in England and Wales.
Under the revised process, victims whose rape or serious sexual offence cases are set to be discontinued before trial will be able to ask for a second prosecutor to independently assess the evidence before a final “offer no evidence” decision is confirmed.
If the reviewing prosecutor concludes that the original decision was incorrect, legal proceedings can continue instead of being permanently halted.
Giving Victims a Voice Before Decisions Become Final
Unlike the previous approach, where reviews generally occurred only after prosecution decisions had already been finalized, the new system allows eligible victims to challenge those decisions while there is still an opportunity to continue the case.
Feedback gathered during the pilot suggested that many survivors appreciated simply having access to the review option, regardless of whether they ultimately requested it.
For others, the process proved even more meaningful, with two cases proceeding after independent reviews determined they should continue.
The scheme is designed to improve confidence in prosecutorial decision-making while ensuring that victims feel they have been heard during one of the most critical stages of the legal process.
Government Links Reform to Violence Against Women Strategy
The nationwide rollout forms part of the government’s wider strategy to combat violence against women and girls, with ministers aiming to reduce such offences by half over the next decade.
Ellie Reeves described rape and sexual assault as crimes that leave lasting emotional and psychological consequences for survivors.
She said every victim who comes forward deserves respectful treatment and confidence that their case will receive careful consideration.
According to the Solicitor General, extending the Early Victims’ Right to Review scheme gives eligible survivors a meaningful opportunity to seek reconsideration before decisions become irreversible, strengthening fairness and restoring a greater sense of control within the justice process.
CPS Says Independent Reviews Can Strengthen Justice
Siobhan Blake, who leads the CPS’s work on rape and serious sexual offences, said survivors often face immense distress when prosecutions do not proceed.
She emphasized that specialist prosecutors usually reach the correct conclusion, but acknowledged that mistakes can occur.
When a potentially viable case is stopped incorrectly, she said, an apology alone cannot compensate for the missed opportunity to deliver justice.
Blake noted that responses from participants in the pilot have demonstrated the value of offering victims an earlier review process and said expanding the programme nationwide will provide further insight into improving support for survivors while ensuring prosecutorial decisions are as accurate as possible.
Campaigner Welcomes Long-Awaited Change
Victims’ advocate Jade Blue McCrossen-Nethercott praised the CPS decision to introduce the programme nationwide, describing it as an important milestone for survivors.
Reflecting on her own experience, she said delayed reviews can leave victims feeling powerless even when errors are eventually identified.
She argued that allowing decisions to be reconsidered before they become final offers a far more meaningful safeguard.
McCrossen-Nethercott said the expansion demonstrates how listening to victims’ experiences can produce lasting improvements to the justice system and create a more responsive process for future survivors.
Victims’ Commissioner Applauds Reform
Claire Waxman also welcomed the nationwide expansion, commending the CPS for responding to concerns raised by victims and acknowledging McCrossen-Nethercott’s campaign for reform.
She said extending the pilot across England and Wales should reduce the number of rape and sexual offence victims who lose the opportunity to pursue justice because of prosecutorial decisions that are later found to be flawed.
By enabling reviews before cases are formally closed, she added, more survivors will have a genuine opportunity to challenge decisions while meaningful legal action remains possible.
A New Stage for Victims’ Rights
The nationwide implementation of the Early Victims’ Right to Review scheme represents one of the most significant recent changes to how rape and serious sexual offence cases are handled by prosecutors.
By introducing an independent review before cases are permanently discontinued, the government and CPS hope to improve transparency, increase public confidence, and ensure victims have a stronger voice during one of the most decisive moments in the criminal justice process.
