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The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
Politics
Emily Dugan and Michael Goodier

Rape trials collapse as victims abandon cases amid long court delays

The Guardian is investigating the state of the court system in England and Wales
The Guardian is investigating the state of the court system in England and Wales. Composite: Guardian Design/Getty Images

The number of rape victims pulling out of prosecutions before trial has more than doubled in five years amid record delays in the courts system in England and Wales, Guardian analysis has found.

There is also growing evidence that measures designed to make justice more bearable for those involved in rape cases are resulting in longer delays – and making them less likely to secure a conviction.

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