Classify all sexual offences as violent crimes and end automatic appeal rights

Open for signatures 107 signatures

What the petition asks

We want the Government formally to reclassify all sexual offences as "Violent Crimes" in legislation to ensure sentencing and rehabilitation reflect the violence of these acts, also amending the Magistrates’ Courts Act '80 to remove the automatic right of a defendant to an appeal in the Crown Court

Current law separates sex offences from violent crimes, which we believe downplays trauma and may contribute to poor rehab and high reoffending. Furthermore, the automatic right to appeal from Magistrates’ Courts can allow offenders a "practice run" forcing victims into a "Double Trial Trap" with years of delays. Loopholes can be gamed to ignore court deadlines, leaving victims in procedural limbo. We demand a system that prioritises victim recovery over offender convenience & treats sex offences as violent acts.

Timeline

20 Feb 2026

Petition opened for signatures

Key facts

Signatures 107

Status Open for signatures

Department Home Office

Opened 20 Feb 2026

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