Amanda Martin MP has welcomed the Government’s announcement that specialist courtrooms for rape and serious sexual offences will be rolled out across every Crown Court in England and Wales, saying victims and survivors deserve a justice system designed around their needs.
The announcement means every Crown Court will have at least one courtroom specially equipped to hear rape and serious sexual offence cases within the next two years. Cases will also be prioritised, with fixed trial dates replacing floating lists that can leave victims facing lengthy and uncertain delays.
The new specialist courtrooms will include private entrances and waiting areas for victims, facilities to pre-record evidence and observe sentencing remotely, while court staff will receive trauma-informed training. A new Rape Justice Taskforce will also be established to tackle postponed trials and address harmful myths surrounding rape and sexual offences.
Amanda Martin MP said: “This is a really important step towards putting victims and survivors at the heart of our justice system.
“For too long, women who have experienced rape and sexual violence have had to navigate a system that can add further uncertainty and distress to what they have already been through.
“Making sure victims have a safe and private place to wait, that staff understand trauma, and that cases are given fixed dates rather than being repeatedly delayed is about treating survivors with the dignity and respect they deserve.
“I particularly welcome the focus on reducing delays. Justice delayed can feel like justice denied for victims who have already waited far too long to have their voices heard.”
Amanda said the announcement also underlined the importance of ensuring that support for women fleeing violence is effective at a local level.
The Portsmouth North MP added: “These national reforms are hugely welcome, but we also have to make sure that women fleeing domestic abuse can access the help and protection they need in their own communities.
“I have raised serious concerns directly with the Chief Executive and Leader of Portsmouth City Council about the handling of women fleeing domestic abuse and I have been seeking a meeting with the Council’s Violence Against Women and Girls lead.
“Despite assurances that this meeting could happen, I am still waiting, despite repeated requests.
“If we are serious about tackling violence against women and girls, every part of the system has to play its role. That means national government, the police, courts, councils and local services working together and listening to women and survivors.
“The women who need support cannot afford for organisations to pass the responsibility from one desk to another. They need action, accountability and services that work for them when they need them most.
“Today’s announcement shows what can be achieved when victims are put at the centre of reform. I will continue pressing locally for the same approach to be applied to women fleeing domestic abuse in Portsmouth.”
The Government has said the measures form part of its wider commitment to halve violence against women and girls within a decade. The announcement follows a series of measures to strengthen support for victims and survivors, including the accelerated rollout of specialist rape and sexual offence investigation teams across England and Wales.
The Government has also recently announced £8.7 million for Rape Crisis England & Wales to continue its 24/7 specialist support line, alongside wider investment in specialist services for victims and witnesses
Amanda added: “There is no single reform that will solve the challenges victims face, but today’s announcement is a significant recognition that the justice system has to change.
“Victims and survivors deserve to be believed, supported and treated with dignity from the moment they seek help through to the conclusion of their case.
“That principle must apply just as strongly when a woman first turns to her local council for help to escape domestic abuse as it does when she enters a courtroom.”
