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Open Create new route to appeal CPS decisions to drop rape or child abuse cases

Created by Angela Sheeran
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We want the Government to create a new and more affordable route for victims and families to appeal a Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) decision to drop rape and child abuse cases. This should apply to both current and past cases.

In our view, victims currently have no affordable way to challenge decisions by the Crown Prosecution Service to drop rape or child sexual abuse prosecutions, other than Judicial Review or bringing a private prosecution. We think this places a heavy financial and emotional burden on families and can leave serious cases without independent scrutiny. We believe victims and families should have a clear route to appeal these decisions, including where prosecutions were previously discontinued, to improve accountability and confidence in justice.

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    If this petition gets 10,000 signatures, government will respond to it.

    If this petition gets 100,000 signatures, it will be considered for debate in Parliament.

    This petition will stay open until 12 November 2026.