Rape trial waits of 7 years to be tackled by new courts

Survivors of rape in North London have endured waits of more than seven years for their court trials, with one case currently scheduled for 2029. For those supporting victims, these prolonged delays can exacerbate trauma, forcing survivors to relive their experiences and putting their lives on hold. Charities have cautiously welcomed the announcement of specialist courts for rape and sexual offences, hoping that fixed trial dates and prioritised cases will begin to address a system that one advocate described as potentially feeling 'worse than the actual violence'.

The impact of court delays

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Ayesha Quigley, a Senior Independent Sexual Violence Advocate at North London Rape Crisis, has supported survivors through nearly 40 court appearances with limited successful prosecutions. She stated that lengthy court delays have discouraged survivors from seeking justice, sometimes exposing them to their abusers. Some individuals have described the court process as re-traumatising. Government statistics for the first quarter of 2026 show the average wait from charge to case completion for adult rape cases was 379 days, significantly longer than the 203 days for all other crimes. Ms Quigley has personally witnessed survivors waiting over seven years for their trial after reporting incidents.

The uncertainty of 'floating lists', where trial dates are not fixed and can be changed at short notice, causes significant distress. Ms Quigley explained that this uncertainty makes it difficult for survivors to emotionally, practically, and financially prepare for court. She has seen instances where survivors have made arrangements for childcare and incurred costs, only to have their trial adjourned on the day, often until the following year. This repeated postponement impacts not only the survivor but also their families and friends.

Government response and future plans

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Prime Minister Rishi Sunak announced on 21 September the creation of specialist courtrooms for rape and sexual offences across England and Wales, with implementation planned over the next two years. Andy Burnham indicated that rape cases will be prioritised, and trials will receive fixed dates. Ms Quigley views these changes positively, believing they could encourage more survivors to seek justice. Lucy Duckworth, National Policy Lead at The Survivors Trust, highlighted the need for private entrances and waiting rooms at courts, stating their introduction would make a substantial difference. She also noted that rebuilding trust in a system currently failing survivors will take time.

A Ministry of Justice spokesperson stated that violence against women and girls is being treated as a national emergency, with over £1 billion invested to tackle the issue. This includes £550 million allocated for victim support services, alongside measures to strengthen protections and target perpetrators. Dedicated courtrooms for rape and sexual offences are considered a key part of this effort to support victims and reduce delays.

Ms Quigley expressed concern that the existing backlog, evidenced by a trial date set for 2029, could lead more survivors to withdraw from the process due to the prolonged duration. She also noted that the layout of Southwark Crown Court, with its entrance not sufficiently hidden from the main public area, can leave survivors feeling exposed upon arrival. The Survivors Trust advocates for simple measures like staggered entrance times for victims and perpetrators, and staff training, to improve the court experience.