More rape victims will be spared stress of cross-examination at UK Crown Courts
Another 14 are adopting the measure to allow pre-recorded video evidence at trials
Last updated 29th May 2022
More victims of rape and sexual offences will be spared the stress of being cross-examined in court under a measure rolled out to a further 14 locations across the UK.
The scheme, which has already been successful in 12 Crown Courts, allows victims and witnesses of crimes such as rape and modern slavery to have their cross-examination video recorded and played later during trial.
The recording takes place as close to the time of the offence as possible, while memories remain fresh, and helps victims avoid the stress of giving evidence in a courtroom setting, which many find traumatic.
From Thursday 12th May, the measure will be available immediately at Crown Courts in Sheffield, Doncaster, Newcastle, Portsmouth, Southampton, Isle of Wight, Winchester, Bournemouth, Bristol, Exeter, Gloucester, Plymouth, Salisbury and Truro.
This extension means the measure is now available at 26 Crown Courts and the Government says it is committed to rolling it out nationwide by September.
The move follows the implementation for vulnerable victims, such as children or those who have limited mental capacity, to all Crown Courts in England and Wales – with over 2,500 witnesses having already benefitted from the technology since August 2020.
Measure will 'minimise stress' for rape victims
Victoria Atkins MP, Minister for Tackling Violence against Women and Girls, said: "This measure is a key part of our plan to overhaul the justice system’s response to rape - minimising stress for victims and helping them to provide the best possible evidence.
"Alongside this, we’re recruiting more independent sexual violence advisers, launching a new 24/7 helpline and improving collaboration between police and prosecutors to ensure victims get the support and justice they deserve.
"While there is still much more to do, convictions have increased by 15% over the last quarter and these measures will drive improvements further".
The measure is also designed to maintain a defendant’s right to a fair trial and any decision to pre-record evidence is made by a judge on a case-by case basis.
Today’s update comes as the Government announces that Rape Crisis England and Wales (RCEW) will operate a new 24/7 helpline service – providing free telephone and online support to victims of rape and sexual violence at any time of the day.
The service will be launched in June and will ensure help is available to victims whenever they need it.
New 24/7 helpline service for victims of rape
Jayne Butler, CEO of Rape Crisis England & Wales, said: "This service will be a vital support provision for victims and survivors of sexual violence and abuse.
"We are pleased to be working with our partners at Rape Crisis South London and Welsh Women’s Aid to deliver a specialist, trauma-informed support service: one that puts survivor needs at its heart.
"The funding of this service is a welcome contribution to the Government’s commitment of increasing support for victims and survivors of rape and sexual assault".
Both the helpline and the extension of pre-recorded evidence are key pledges within the Government’s Rape Review Action Plan.
The plan sets out clear actions for the police, prosecutors and courts. These include a new approach to investigations, reducing the number of victims withdrawing from the process, increasing the volume of trials being heard, protecting the public and putting more rapists behind bars.
The Government has also announced it will fund victim support services on a multi-year basis – with at least £147 million per year up to 2025.
Ministers say it will enable charities and service providers to plan for the future, build capacity and help even more victims.
The Government says this announcement builds on recent action to increase confidence in the justice system including bringing forward a new Victims’ Bill, ensuring violent and sexual offenders spend longer in prison and investing nearly half a billion pounds to deliver swifter justice through the courts.