Rape and sexual assault survivors now have the right to ask for their case to be reviewed independently before it is dropped.
Introduced by the government on 13 July, this scheme will ensure that a second independent prosecutor with expertise in these types of cases will review all of the existing evidence before making a final decision. These cases will proceed if the independent prosecutor finds sufficient evidence to continue. This scheme follows the successful pilot launched by the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) in the West Midlands in June 2025, later expanded to the North West, Yorkshire and the Humberside, and Wales. It has already resulted in cases that otherwise would have been dropped being continued, leading to more just outcomes.
Survivors have campaigned on this issue for years, and have fed into this scheme extensively. Campaigner Jade Blue reported that she had been raped in 2017, but was told just weeks before her trial that the CPS were dropping her case. She later received an apology from the CPS, but by that point had lost out on a chance to get justice.
In making this change to the law, survivors are being put at the centre of our justice system and the government’s work to tackle violence against women and girls. Every victim who qualifies will be informed about the scheme and their right to request an independent review. This will make the justice system more compassionate and ensure that victims are given fairness and dignity throughout the process. Their voices will be front and centre, where they belong.
Ellie Reeves MP, Solicitor General, said:
“This is a landmark moment for victims. For too long, survivors like Jade have been let down by wrong decisions to drop their cases. This scheme gives them a genuine second chance at justice.
“It’s only been possible because of the campaigning of Jade and others. As Solicitor General, I’ve listened to victims and visited pilot areas, and I’ve seen first-hand the difference this is making. That’s why the national rollout is so important.
“This is part of our work to tackle violence against women and girls, and to put victims back at the heart of our justice system.”
Luke Pollard MP, Member of Parliament for Plymouth Sutton and Devonport, said:
“Survivors of rape and sexual assault deserve justice. This gives them a chance to get it. Offering a second, independent set of eyes to go through their case, catch anything that was missed and offer their expertise will make such a difference.
“Violence against women and girls is a horrific and incredibly sensitive issue. That is why it is so important to ensure that the legal process we have does not cause additional distress to survivors who have already been through so much. I will always support the Government in the fight against sexual violence, and if anyone in Plymouth feels they need support on this or any other issue, please feel free to contact me at [email protected]”