Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Violence against Women and Girls: Prosecutions

Thursday 30 March 2023 · 3 questions

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 0 Partly answered 3 Not answered 0

Key points

  • The time between charge and completion of Crown court cases is being reduced but remains too long.
  • Victims are encouraged to stay within the criminal justice process through support by independent sexual violence advisers.
  • Operation Soteria has made a significant difference and is linked to an area where it was founded.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Kerry McCarthy Lab Bristol East
Justice & Courts
Context

29% of Crown court cases are open for more than a year, and there is a record backlog of sexual assault and rape cases with frequent postponements.

Question

I am concerned about the significant backlog in Crown court cases which has resulted in a large number of sexual assault and rape cases being postponed. This situation impacts the ability of the Crown Prosecution Service to prosecute rape cases effectively. What is the Solicitor General's view on this issue?

Answer from Michael Tomlinson

The time between charge and completion of Crown court cases is being reduced, although it remains too long. Victims are encouraged to stay within the criminal justice process through support by independent sexual violence advisers, whose guidance will be placed on a statutory footing.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific impact of backlog on prosecution rates for rape cases was not addressed

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Q2 Kerry McCarthy Lab Bristol East
Crime & Law Enforcement Justice & Courts
Context

Government statistics show a significant backlog of sexual assault and rape cases in Crown courts.

Question

Statistics indicate that 29% of Crown court cases are open longer than one year, leading to frequent postponements of rape trials. How does the Solicitor General believe this backlog affects the CPS's ability to prosecute rape cases effectively?

Answer from Michael Tomlinson

I spoke to a local chief Crown prosecutor who mentioned that last year, suspects charged with adult rape in the CPS south-west area more than doubled. However, it remains correct that time between charge and completion is still too long.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific impact of backlog on prosecution rates for rape cases was not addressed

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Q3 Jane Hunt
Crime & Law Enforcement Justice & Courts
Context

Operation Soteria is a significant initiative aimed at improving prosecution rates.

Question

The House wishes to see higher prosecution rates for those who rape women and girls. Given the importance of Operation Soteria, how does the Solicitor General believe this operation will affect current prosecution rates?

Answer from Michael Tomlinson

Operation Soteria has made a significant difference and is linked to an area where it was founded. The volume of adult rape suspects charged in the last year has more than doubled.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific impact on prosecution rates not fully detailed

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