New specialist courtrooms focused on rape and serious sex offences are being established across England and Wales, featuring private entrances, secure waiting areas, and technology for pre-recorded evidence and remote sentencing observations. The initiative aims to create a more supportive environment for survivors, potentially increasing the number of cases reported. Campaigners have praised the changes as a significant step forward in addressing barriers to justice. Enhanced facilities and structured trial procedures are central to the reforms.
Funding boost for facilities and fixed dates for trials designed to encourage more survivors to come forwardSpecialist courtrooms prioritising cases of rape and other serious sex offences are to be introduced across England and Wales, with campaigners welcoming the move as potentially transformative.The changes, designed to encourage more survivors to come forward, will include the provision of private entrances and waiting rooms, and facilities equipped for recording evidence in advance and observing sentencing remotely. Continue reading...
