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<p>The Government is carrying out an end-to end review of how the Criminal Justice
System responds to rape, including considering how to ensure victims are properly
supported throughout the process and ensure timely progression of cases.</p><p> </p><p>We
intend to publish this review shortly, now that Parliament has returned from recess,
but in the time since it commenced in 2019 we have already taken a range of actions
to ensure that victims and witnesses receive the support they need. This includes
the roll out of Section 28 which enables victims to pre-record their cross-examination
earlier in the process. This was completed at pace in Crown Courts for all vulnerable
victims and is currently being piloted for victims of sexual offence and modern slavery
in three Crown Courts. This pilot will inform the next steps for further roll out.</p><p>
</p><p>Our Crown Courts currently list thousands of cases each week and whilst listing
remains a judicial function, the courts continue to prioritise hearings that are the
most serious, including those involving vulnerable victims.</p><p> </p><p>We are acutely
aware of the impact of delays on victims and vulnerable witnesses and have already
taken decisive action to address how quickly cases can be heard in the courts. We
spent over a quarter of a billion pounds on recovery last financial year, making court
buildings safe, rolling out new technology for remote hearings, recruiting an additional
1,600 HMCTS staff and opening 60 Nightingale courtrooms. We will continue to address
the outstanding caseload and reduce delays by increasing capacity in our physical
estate, running Crown Courts to the fullest possible extent, using every judge and
courtroom to maximise court sitting days.</p><p>These measures, alongside those that
will be outlined in the government’s upcoming action plan on rape will improve victims’
experiences by driving change in how the criminal justice system responds to cases
of rape. This, combined with updated and stronger case preparation methods as well
as increased communication between all those involved in the prosecution, should lead
to more cases reaching, and progressing through, court and, we hope, defendants pleading
guilty.</p>
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