Centre for Women’s Justice (CWJ) welcomed the announcement today (5 June 2025) by the Solicitor General, Lucy Rigby, and the Crown Prosecution Service to introduce a pilot which gives victims of rape and serious sexual violence an opportunity to challenge a decision to offer no evidence and end the case. At present the Victims Right of Review (VRR) scheme is available to victims in this situation, but if the review is successful, the case cannot be re-started, and the victim merely receives an apology. The pilot would enable a review to take place before the case is stopped.
Jade Blue, whose case was featured in the BBC documentary,‘Sexsomnia – Case Closed’ waived her anonymity to highlight issues relating to the futility of a VRR process which cannot reverse the decision to end a prosecution. She stated today:
“I used the VRR after the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) dropped my case. But by then, they’d already offered no evidence in court. Even when the CPS later admitted a mistake, it couldn’t be reopened. That outcome was detrimental to my well-being and took me to my darkest moments - and I was adamant that no one else should have to go through what I did.”
“Since then, I’ve been speaking with stakeholders, sharing my story, and calling for this very reform: a second review before a case is closed. This pilot is an important first step. It can’t undo the harm already done to victims like me, but it’s real, tangible progress - and I hope it marks the beginning of a fairer system, one where victims’ voices are not just heard, but acted on.”
CWJ provided advice to Jade during the VRR process and subsequently helped her settle a human rights claim for damages against the CPS.
CWJ has for several years been assisting victims who pursue VRR and as a result of this work, they have helped reverse many decisions. Between 2019 and 2023 CWJ assisted in 38 cases resulting in the accused being charged.
However, although the VRR scheme is available to victims in all cases, it has up until now been of very limited value where a decision is made to offer no evidence. CWJ working together with the former Victim’s Commissioner, Dame Vera Baird and Victim Support made representations to the CPS inviting them to introduce a meaningful VRR process for those survivors. CWJ provided details of 14 case studies where victims were deprived of a meaningful VRR. This was part of the CPS research which has led to the introduction of this new pilot.
Harriet Wistrich, Director of Centre for Women’s Justice stated:
“We are delighted the Solicitor General and CPS have listened to the evidence provided by Jade and other women we have supported and the legal arguments we have made together with Dame Vera.
“The pilot is an important breakthrough for victims of rape offering them a renewed hope for justice. However, the time frame for challenging decisions is very short and we believe it is important that when such decisions are made, those affected are offered information about the availability of independent legal advice.”
Dame Vera Baird stated:
“This is a tribute to the courage of Jade Blue. Her lived experience was the power which drove this significant benefit for rape complainants. Now the CPS have responded to the devastation that this caused to her and will have caused to other rape complainants in the same position. They have decided to pilot a different approach which allows time for the VRR to be heard, in most cases, ahead of any final decision. The CPS willingness to listen and to design this pilot is commendable.”
ENDS