Help us fight for criminal justice for survivors of sexual violence and abuse

This campaign is personal.

Right now, Rape Crisis England & Wales' small award-winning Policy & Public Affairs team are fighting for a reformed criminal justice system, but they can’t do it alone.

‍

In 2025, Rape Crisis England & Wales released their ground-breaking report Living in Limbo, highlighting the Crown Court backlogs and the impact they have on survivors. At that point, 13,238 sexual offence cases were waiting to go to court - 66% higher compared to the number waiting at the same time in 2022.

They reported that the average time a survivor will wait for their trial being to be heard in the Crown Court, once their case is sent to the Court by CPS is 499 days (compared to 284 for other crimes) - but for many, this wait will be much longer.

‍

But now there are updated figures that can no longer be ignored.

At the end of September 2025, there were 14,180 sexual offence cases waiting for a court date – a 77% increase since Q3 2022.

• 4,455 are adult rape cases – a 136% increase in 3 years
• 1874 are child rape cases – a 54% increase since Q3 2022.

‍

Every single delay can have a catastrophic impact.

Many survivors find they become re-traumatised. Some will withdraw from the justice process completely. Others have even attempted to end their life as a result.

Survivors deserve better, and we believe our recommendations are a step forward to the change that the criminal justice system needs.

Since releasing their Living in Limbo report, Rape Crisis England & Wales have had a phenomenal response; The government’s VAWG strategy announced that Operation Soteria will be extended into the Crown Court, which was one of their recommendations in the report. But there is still much to do.

‍

We urgently need your help to keep up the pressure.

To help Rape Crisis England & Wales continue their work to make further change, and ensure promises are kept.

The gift you give will help us continue our vital work supporting victims and survivors of rape and sexual abuse, including influencing policy change at the highest level.

‍

Donate how by clicking here.