Rape trials collapse as victims abandon cases amid long court delays

Courts logjam in England and Wales contributes to doubling in five years of victims pulling out of prosecutions

• I've had four torturous years': child abuse victims speak out

The number of rape victims pulling out of prosecutions before trial has more than doubled in five years amid record delays in the courts system in England and Wales, Guardian analysis has found.

There is also growing evidence that measures designed to make justice more bearable for those involved in rape cases are resulting in longer delays - and making them less likely to secure a conviction.