Create new route to appeal CPS decisions to drop rape or child abuse cases

Background

We want the Government to create a new and more affordable route for victims and families to appeal a Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) decision to drop rape and child abuse cases. This should apply to both current and past cases.

Additional details

In our view, victims currently have no affordable way to challenge decisions by the Crown Prosecution Service to drop rape or child sexual abuse prosecutions, other than Judicial Review or bringing a private prosecution. We think this places a heavy financial and emotional burden on families and can leave serious cases without independent scrutiny. We believe victims and families should have a clear route to appeal these decisions, including where prosecutions were previously discontinued, to improve accountability and confidence in justice.

Where it’s popular

Constituencies with the most signatures on this petition.