England and Wales

England and Wales, a legal jurisdiction within the UK, are currently facing a multitude of challenges across various sectors. Abortion rates have reached a record high, attributed to the rising cost of living and limited access to contraception. The justice system is under strain, with potential U-turns on limiting jury trials sparking concerns about its collapse and the impact on victims. Lengthy delays in sexual offence investigations have prompted a super-complaint against police forces. Efforts are underway to address violence against women, with plans to establish dedicated rape and sexual offences teams in all police forces by 2029 and introduce domestic abuse protection orders. However, a significant surge in online child sexual abuse highlights the need for greater action from tech companies. Furthermore, local authorities are warning of financial instability, with potential bankruptcy looming for many councils. Measures are being implemented to protect rape victims from unfair treatment in court, but reports indicate that a quarter of police forces still lack basic policies for investigating sexual offences, raising concerns about the failure to protect women.