Victims of rape will be able to meet with prosecutors before a trial in a bid to prevent them from dropping out of cases.

Crown Prosecution Service staff will offer to meet the adult victims in person so that they can air their concerns and be put at ease.

Rape cases carry a higher rate of not guilty pleas than other offences, research shows, meaning alleged victims are often left in distress by the prospect of a trial.

Many complainants also decide to pull out of criminal proceedings due to fears about giving evidence.

Last month, it emerged nearly 70 percent of rape victims withdrew from cases in the fourth quarter of last year.

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Meanwhile, the number of sexual offences in England and Wales hit a record high of 193,566 in the 12 months to March 2022.

Praising the plans, which goes through its next stage in Parliament today, Justice Secretary Alex Chalk said: “Going to court as a victim can be daunting and confusing, so meetings with the prosecution team will ensure they can have their questions answered and worries eased.

“Helping rape victims to give their best evidence will ensure we put more of these vile attackers behind bars.”

Director of Public Prosecutions Max Hill KC said: “Victims deserve, and rightly expect, to be supported, informed and treated fairly. They are central to our cases and ability to bring successful prosecutions.

“This new offer for a meeting between adult victims of rape and other serious sexual offences and a member of the prosecution team complements the service we are developing for all victims through our Victim Transformation Programme.

“We hope it will help give victims confidence in attending court and highlight the support available.”

The policy will form part of an updated Victims’ Code in the Victims and Prisoners Bill.

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