# Specialist courtrooms for rape cases in England and Wales

> England and Wales to introduce specialist courtrooms for rape cases to improve victim support.
- Title: Specialist courtrooms for rape cases in England and Wales
- Summary: England and Wales to introduce specialist courtrooms for rape cases to improve victim support. England and Wales will create specialist courtrooms for rape…
- Keywords: england, wales, rape, specialist courtrooms, justice system, victims, crown court, trauma-informed training, national rape support fund, rape justice taskforce, news, world
- Source: the Guardian — https://theguardian.com/society/2026/sep/20/specialist-courtrooms-to-prioritise-cases-in-england-and-wales
- Published: 2026-09-20T21:30:26+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: england, wales, rape, specialist courtrooms, justice system, victims, crown court, trauma-informed training, national rape support fund, rape justice taskforce, news, world
## New specialist courtrooms
England and Wales will introduce specialist courtrooms for rape and serious sexual offence cases within two years.
## Private facilities for victims
Courts will feature private entrances, waiting rooms, and evidence recording facilities for victims.
## Fixed trial dates
Rape cases will have fixed trial dates instead of being delayed on floating lists.
## Labour MP's experience
Labour MP Charlotte Nichols shared her experience of being raped and waiting 1,088 days for court.

> Today marks a hugely important milestone, helping to improve the experience of victims and survivors of sexual violence in the court system who are all too often retraumatised by seeking justice
## Victims commissioner warning
Victims commissioner Claire Waxman warned the backlog of rape cases is now significantly worse than in 2021.

> Tens of thousands more victims are now waiting for their cases to reach trial
## New support measures
£43m will support survivors through counselling, therapy, and outreach activities for two years.
## Rape justice taskforce
A rape justice taskforce will tackle postponed rape trials and myths preventing victims from participating.
## Key takeaway

England and Wales will create specialist courtrooms for rape cases with private entrances, evidence recording facilities, and remote sentencing observation to address long delays in justice.