Specialist Rape Courts to Launch Across England and Wales

England and Wales will roll out specialist rape courts to improve justice for victims. PM announces new measures and faster prosecution timelines.

Editorial Desk

September 21, 2026 One Min Read

POLICY WIRE — London, United Kingdom — The government has announced the establishment of specialized courts to handle rape and sexual offense cases across England and Wales, aiming to improve the speed and effectiveness of justice for survivors.

Prime Minister Andy Burnham revealed the plan, stating that every Crown Court will be required to allocate at least one courtroom exclusively for these types of cases. This initiative is part of a broader effort to address low prosecution rates and provide better support for victims.

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In addition to the new courtrooms, all police forces in the region will have dedicated teams for handling rape and sexual offenses by December 2027—six months ahead of the original schedule. The move is intended to streamline the legal process and ensure more consistent outcomes for those affected by such crimes.

Reporting by Policy-Wire (PW)

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