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Specialist Courts for Rape Cases to be Introduced in England and Wales

Monday, September 21, 2026 · 1 sources

The government is rolling out specialist courts for rape cases across England and Wales. Funding will be used to allow victims to participate in proceedings remotely and give evidence via video link from a separate room.

The government has announced plans to introduce specialist courts for rape cases in England and Wales. Funding will be provided to enable victims to view proceedings remotely and give evidence from a separate room via video link. This move aims to make the legal process less intimidating for victims of rape. The rollout of these specialist courts is expected to improve the experience of victims throughout the legal process. The use of video links will allow victims to give evidence without having to be in the same room as the defendant. The government says this will help reduce the stress and trauma associated with giving evidence in court. The introduction of specialist courts is part of a broader effort to improve the handling of rape cases in England and Wales. The government hopes that these changes will lead to more victims feeling confident in coming forward and reporting crimes. The rollout is expected to take place over the coming months, with the goal of having specialist courts in place across England and Wales as soon as possible.

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What is the purpose of the specialist courts?

The purpose of the specialist courts is to make the legal process less intimidating for victims of rape and to reduce the stress and trauma associated with giving evidence in court. This will be achieved by allowing victims to view proceedings remotely and give evidence via video link from a separate room.

How will the video link system work?

The video link system will allow victims to give evidence from a separate room, without having to be in the same room as the defendant. This will help reduce the stress and trauma associated with giving evidence in court.

When can we expect the specialist courts to be rolled out?

The rollout of the specialist courts is expected to take place over the coming months, with the goal of having them in place across England and Wales as soon as possible.

What impact is expected from the introduction of specialist courts?

The government hopes that the introduction of specialist courts will lead to more victims feeling confident in coming forward and reporting crimes. This could potentially lead to an increase in the number of rape cases being reported and prosecuted.

How will the funding be used?

The funding will be used to enable victims to participate in proceedings remotely and give evidence via video link from a separate room. This will involve setting up the necessary technology and infrastructure to support the video link system.