SURVIVORS of sexual violence are being retraumatised by the court process, Victim Support warned today.
The charity found in a new report that three-quarters of survivors are subjected to rape myths during cross-examination, such as being asked what they were wearing, if they are lying out of revenge, or if the incident was just bad sex.
Half of cases analysed waited three years or more from the point of reporting to the police to the first court date, and over 47 per cent of cases were adjourned, some up to four times, without explanation.
Survivors were found to still be left waiting up to 11 months at sentencing.
Offenders who lived close to survivors were not always remanded in custody, even if there was a guilty verdict, the charity said.
It said that measures such as being able to give evidence behind a screen or via video link were not always offered or explained.
Cases were reported of survivors making suicide attempts and developing PTSD while navigating the system.
One survivor described feeling like a “piece of meat that’s being pushed through the court system.”
Victim Support chief executive officer Katie Kempen said: “Victim-survivors who go to court are left dealing not only with the impact of the crime, but also their experience of the criminal justice system.
“The process is retraumatising people and profoundly damaging their mental health — many regret that they ever reported the crime to the police.”
Victim Support is calling on the government and criminal justice agencies to end the use of rape myths and victim-survivors’ sexual history by the defence and properly commit to reducing court delays and adjournments.
Victims and VAWG Minister, Alex Davies-Jones, said: “This Government inherited a justice system in crisis, with cases delayed for far too long and victims dropping out.
“We are now taking action that will begin to address this deep injustice. New independent legal advocates will ensure rape victims voices are heard and their rights are respected. We are placing dedicated support workers in 999 call centres. We are exploring how we can fast-track rape cases through the system. And we will not rest until victims and survivors have the experience they deserve.”
