Overhaul of rape inquiries threatened by lack of courtroom awareness, says expert

The Guardian - World NewsEN 4 min read 100% complete by Alexandra Topping Political correspondentMarch 9, 2026 at 11:30 PM

Read Original Article

AI Summary

medium article 4 min

An expert warns that courtroom practices in England and Wales threaten the progress of Operation Soteria, a new approach to rape investigations launched in 2021. Professor Katrin Hohl, the government's independent advisor on rape, expressed concern that a lack of awareness about Soteria among judges and barristers could lead to lower conviction rates and a return to previous investigative methods. Operation Soteria focuses on suspect behavior rather than intrusive victim background checks, and has increased the number of rape charges. However, conviction rates have slightly dropped, attributed to the CPS charging more complex cases. A review of how courts handle rape and sexual assault cases has been launched, with promised independent legal advice for victims. The number of rape victims withdrawing from prosecutions has more than doubled between 2019 and 2024.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

David Lammy 50% Labour Party ×250% Wales 60% United Kingdom 60% Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) ×270% Operation Soteria ×680% Katrin Hohl ×490%

Keywords

rape inquiries 90% operation soteria 80% conviction rate 70% courtroom awareness 70% rape victims 60% sexual assault 60% suspect's behaviour 60% crown prosecution service 50% trial by jury 50%