Overview:

The current legal system in the UK fails rape survivors. Despite the trauma endured by victims, the conviction rate for rape remains shockingly low. According to the most recent statistics, less than 1% of reported rapes in England and Wales result in a conviction. This is a clear injustice for survivors who courageously come forward, only to face a system that is not equipped to deliver justice.

This petition calls on the UK government to conduct an urgent and comprehensive review of how rape cases are handled in court and to reform the laws and procedures surrounding justice for sexual assault survivors. The goal is to ensure that rapists are held accountable and survivors are given the respect, dignity, and support they deserve.

Why This Matters:

For too long, survivors of sexual assault have been let down by a system that places an overwhelming burden of proof on victims and often retraumatizes them during the trial process. In one recent case, my best friend endured the unimaginable: despite presenting what was described as a “bulletproof” case, their rapist was found not guilty and now walks free. This is not an isolated incident—it reflects a systemic problem that urgently needs addressing.

Survivors deserve a system that works for them, not against them. Key issues that need to be addressed include:

 • Low conviction rates: Less than 1 in 100 rapes reported to police results in a conviction.

 • A Victim-blaming culture: Survivors are often subjected to invasive, irrelevant questioning in court.

 • An ineffective handling of evidence: Despite strong evidence, many cases fail to lead to a conviction due to systemic biases that favour the perpetrator over the victim. 

 • A lack of survivor support: The court process often re-traumatises survivors, deterring others from reporting crimes and contributing to the low conviction and reporting rate.

What We’re Asking For:

We demand the UK government take immediate action to:

 1. Review court procedures for handling sexual assault cases to ensure they are survivor-focused.

 2. Address biases in the legal system that contribute to the low conviction rate.

 3. Strengthen laws surrounding the burden of proof and the use of evidence in rape trials.

 4. Provide mandatory training for police officers, legal professionals, and judges on handling sexual assault cases sensitively.

 5. Ensure access to support services for survivors before, during, and after the trial process.

Your Voice Can Make a Difference:

Every survivor deserves justice, and every single rapist should be held accountable. By signing this petition, you are standing with survivors and demanding a fairer, more just legal system that prioritises accountability and support. Together, we can push for meaningful change to ensure no one else is denied justice.

Let’s make the system work for survivors, not against them. Sign now to demand reform.