New rights for suspected sex assault victims in Bolton

This comes after the government announced an expansion of the Victims’ Right to Review Scheme, which will begin with areas across the North West like Bolton.

This will mean more suspected victims of rape and serious sexual assaults will have the right to have their cases reviewed by a different prosecutor before a decision to drop them is taken.

Bolton North East MP Kirith Entwistle said: “Violence against women and girls is a national emergency.

“A key part of our government’s VAWG strategy is to ensure that victims in Bolton are given better support, to help rebuild trust in the criminal justice system.

Kirith Entwistle MP has welcomed the scheme (Image: Office of Kirith Entwistle MP)

“We are taking action to keep women and girls safe, whether it’s through supporting victims, apprehending abusers or stopping violence before it starts.

“This announcement is an important step to ensure women’s voices are heard.”

The scheme is being expanded after an initial pilot and was brought to the CPS North West area in January this year.

Other CPS areas like Yorkshire and Humberside are expected to follow in early February with Wales following on in April.

National CPS lead for rape and serious sexual offences Siobhan Blake said: “For survivors of rape and sexual offences, the possibility that their abuser may never face justice can be deeply distressing.

“Victims deserve absolute confidence that every decision is made with care and expertise.

“Our specialist prosecutors usually get it right first time, but when we don’t, and a case that could have continued is stopped, an apology alone can never feel like justice.

“Victims who have taken part so far have told us that simply having this option makes a positive difference.

“I’m pleased we are now expanding the pilot so we can gather the evidence we need to understand the full impact and how best to support victims.”

The government says these measures are part of its strategy to halve violence against women and girls over the next decade.

Solicitor General Ellie Reeves MP said: “Rape and sexual assault are abhorrent, causing long-lasting physical and emotional trauma to victims.

The brave survivors who come forward deserve to have confidence that their voices have been truly heard.”

“This government is committed to halving violence against women and girls, and following a positive pilot, I have decided to significantly expand the Victim’s Right to Review into three more areas, including Bolton.”