Make Rape Prosecutions and Convictions a Priority in UK Law
Rape is a serious violent crime in England and Wales, only a small proportion of reported cases result in charge or prosecution. Many survivors face :long delays, cases dropped without explanation, and a lack of faith in the justice system, fear, trauma, & previous experiences of being ignored.
Signatures
9
signatures
Government response threshold (10,000) · 9/10,000
Debate threshold (100,000) · 9/100,000
- 17 FEB 2026Petition rejectedno-action
We're not entirely clear what you are calling for that might not already be happening or just have happened recently: CPS has made rape prosecutions a priority: https://www.cps.gov.uk/publication/cps-annual-rape-scrutiny-report-october-2025 Sentencing guidelines were toughened in 2023 https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/sentencing-bill-2023/sentencing-bill-factsheet-serious-sexual-offences-sentencing-and-release-arrangements
- 17 JAN 2026Petition created
Background
We call on the UK Government to:
Make rape investigations and prosecutions a clear priority for police & prosecutors
Improve charge & conviction rates through better forensic investigation, evidence handling, and specialist victim support
Review sentencing guidelines to ensure penalties reflect the severity and lifelong impact of rape
Ensure timely investigations and trials so survivors are not subjected to prolonged trauma
Invest to encourage reporting and reduce stigma around sexual violence