Rape and sexual assault survivors to get second chance at justice as victims’ right to review goes nationwide

From 13 July, rape and sexual assault survivors across England and Wales will have the right to ask for their case to be reviewed by an independent prosecutor before it is dropped.

The Early Victims’ Right to Review scheme allows victims of rape and serious sexual offences to request that a second, independent prosecutor, who specialises in these cases, reviews the evidence before a final decision is made to offer no evidence. If that prosecutor finds there is sufficient evidence to continue, the case will proceed.

The nationwide rollout follows a successful pilot, first launched by the Crown Prosecution Service in the West Midlands in June 2025 and later expanded to the North West, Yorkshire and Humberside, and Cymru-Wales.

The pilot has already seen cases continue that would otherwise have been wrongly dropped.

The scheme follows years of campaigning by victims, including Jade Blue. Jade reported that she had been raped to the police in 2017. Three years later, just weeks before her trial, the CPS told her they were dropping her case and offering no evidence. Jade later received an apology from the CPS, but no second chance at justice.

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.”

Gareth Snell, Labour and Co-operative MP for Stoke-on-Trent Central, said: “This is welcome news for victims in Stoke-on-Trent. Giving victims the right to a second opinion, from an independent, specialist prosecutor, is a simple change that could make a huge difference to people in our community who are seeking justice.

“I’ll be watching closely to see how this rollout supports victims locally and I will continue to support Labour’s efforts to tackle violence against women and girls.”