A scheme which allows alleged victims in rape and sexual assault cases to ask for a review before prosecutors decide to offer no evidence is to be rolled out across England and Wales later this month.

The Early Victims’ Right to Review scheme was expanded earlier last month, a year after its launch in the West Midlands in June 2025. Following the success of the expansion, Ellie Reeves KC, solicitor general, has confirmed it will now be every to every Crown Prosecution Service area in England and Wales.

The scheme gives alleged victims of rape or serious sexual abuse the right to request their case be reviewed by a different prosecutor before any final decision as to whether the case is dropped is made. If the second prosecutor disagrees with the original decision, the case will continue.

Reeves described the rollout, which will come into effect from next week, as a ‘landmark moment’. She added: ‘For the first time, victims of rape and serious sexual offences across all of England and Wales will have the opportunity to have their case reviewed, where eligible, giving them a second chance at justice and real control at the most critical point in their case.’

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Siobhan Blake, national CPS lead for rape and serious sexual offences, said: ‘Victims must have confidence that every decision is made with care and expertise. Our specialist prosecutors usually get it right first time, but when we don’t – and a case that could have continued is stopped – an apology alone cannot feel like justice.

‘Some victims in the pilot have told us that simply having this option makes a positive difference, and two cases continuing shows the impact it can have.’

Victims’ commissioner Claire Waxman thanked campaigner Blue McCrossen-Nethercott for ‘tirelessly campaigning for this vital progress’.

McCrossen-Nethercott added: ‘My own experience showed me how devastating it can be when a review comes too late to make a difference, even when mistakes are later identified. This pilot recognises that victims deserve the opportunity to have decisions reconsidered.'

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