The UK government is set to launch specialist domestic abuse courts staffed by trained judges in a bid to accelerate case processing and reduce a growing backlog, according to reports. Six dedicated courtrooms are expected to be announced next month, accompanied by additional funding, following positive outcomes from recent pilot programs.
This initiative forms part of a broader strategy to address delays in rape and serious sexual offence trials. Over the next two years, every crown court in England and Wales will be equipped with at least one courtroom tailored to hear such cases. These courtrooms will feature private entrances and waiting areas, along with facilities enabling victims to pre-record evidence and observe sentencing remotely.
The announcement comes amid concerns over lengthy delays in the criminal justice system, which have drawn criticism for prolonging the trauma experienced by victims and discouraging some from reporting offences. Data indicates that last year, it took an average of 424 days for rape cases to reach a conclusion after arriving at the crown court, with some victims withdrawing before their cases were heard.
The expansion of specialist courts follows recommendations from a review led by former Conservative justice secretary Sir David Gauke. He noted that although similar courts were piloted in 1999 and subsequently adopted nationally, their usage had declined significantly over the past decade and lacked consistent national oversight.
Labour leadership figures have emphasized the need for reform. Andy Burnham, the prime minister, acknowledged the low prosecution rates for rape and serious sexual offences and characterised the current system as failing victims. Burnham pledged changes aimed at restoring confidence in the justice process, stating the importance of combining improved prosecution with preventative measures against violence.
Labour backbencher Charlotte Nichols, who publicly disclosed in Parliament that she was raped, highlighted the personal impact of trial delays, sharing her experience of waiting nearly three years for her case to reach court. Justice Secretary Alex Norris has committed to providing trauma-informed training for all court staff to enhance victim support and announced plans for a pilot program to assign victims a single point of contact throughout proceedings.
The Ministry of Justice has declined to comment on specific plans regarding the specialist domestic abuse courts.
The initiative has drawn mixed responses from opposition politicians. Conservatives condemned the extensive wait times as “a disgrace.” Nick Timothy, the shadow justice secretary, criticised Labour’s use of these delays as justification for proposals to limit jury trials, arguing that resources should be focused on reducing backlogs without undermining the right to trial by jury. Timothy called on the government to ensure courts operate year-round and expedite cases through existing processes.
As the government prepares to roll out these reforms, the effectiveness of specialist courts and additional victim support measures will be closely monitored amid ongoing debates over how best to balance timely justice with protecting defendants' rights.