The government has announced a major step forward for survivors of rape and serious sexual assault in England and Wales.
Following a successful pilot in the West Midlands, more victims will now have the opportunity to ask for their cases to be reviewed before prosecutors make a final decision to offer no evidence.
The expansion aims to give survivors a stronger voice in the justice system and boost confidence that their cases are taken seriously.
Expansion Timeline and Regions
The pilot scheme, first launched in the West Midlands in June 2025, has now been approved for roll-out in three additional CPS areas.
The North West will go live in January 2026, followed by Yorkshire and Humberside in early February, and finally CPS Cymru-Wales in April.
This phased approach allows authorities to monitor the scheme’s effectiveness and gather data before considering a nationwide implementation.
What the Scheme Means for Survivors
Under the current system, prosecutors can halt cases if they believe there is no realistic prospect of conviction.
While victims could request a review, this rarely changed the outcome.
The updated pilot gives survivors of rape and serious sexual abuse the right to have their case reviewed by a different prosecutor before any final decision.
If the reviewing prosecutor finds sufficient evidence, the case can continue.
This change puts more control in the hands of survivors, giving them a chance to see their cases fully considered and potentially bringing perpetrators to justice.
Early feedback from participants in the West Midlands pilot has been overwhelmingly positive, with many saying that simply having this option made a tangible difference to how they felt about the process.
Part of a Wider Strategy to Reduce Violence
The expansion of the Victims’ Right to Review (VRR) pilot forms a key part of the government’s Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) strategy, which aims to halve incidents of such violence within the next decade.
By strengthening routes to justice and ensuring survivors are heard, the government hopes to make the justice system more responsive and compassionate.
Voices from the Frontline
Solicitor General Ellie Reeves MP emphasized the importance of the initiative: “Rape and sexual assault are abhorrent, causing long-lasting physical and emotional trauma to victims.
Survivors who come forward deserve to know that their experiences are being heard.
This pilot will increase routes to justice and, above all, ensure victims are given fairness, dignity, and are truly heard.”
Siobhan Blake, National CPS Lead for Rape and Serious Sexual Offences, highlighted the difference this scheme can make: “Victims deserve absolute confidence that every decision is made with care and expertise.
When cases that could continue are stopped, an apology alone is never enough.
Having this option alone has already made a positive difference for survivors.”
Jade Blue McCrossen-Nethercott, speaking from lived experience, added: “Adding this right is an important step forward.
It helps build confidence in the justice system by giving victims greater control at a critical moment in their case and the chance to get the answers they deserve.
The phased, evidence-led approach reflects constructive engagement and a genuine willingness to learn from what’s working.”
Looking Ahead
The expansion of the VRR pilot is a cautious but significant move, designed to gather further evidence before a national rollout.
By giving survivors an earlier chance to have their cases reconsidered, the scheme hopes to make justice more transparent, responsive, and empowering for those who have endured sexual violence.
Share on Facebook «||» Share on Twitter «||» Share on Reddit «||» Share on LinkedIn