Reforms to the Criminal Justice System for Rape

I am saddened to see that brave victims who come forward to report crimes are too often let down by the criminal justice system. Too many victims of rape and sexual violence have been denied the justice they deserve as a result of systemic failings.

That is why I am glad the Government have now published their plans to overhaul the approach to investigations with a new approach on suspect behaviour, increasing the support for victims by making sure that they are never left without a phone for more than 24 hours, and holding the police, CPS and courts accountable for their failings with regular scorecards on progress to be published every six months.

Alongside new laws the Government have introduced in Parliament to make sure rapists spend longer behind bars, their action plan will drive the wholesale change needed to tackle these horrific crimes and restore faith in the criminal justice system.

The Action Plan has been shaped with the help of Emily Hunt who was appointed as an independent advisor by government to ensure that there was a strong advocate for victims at the centre of the rape review.

Emily Hunt, victim and independent advisor said:

“We can and must do better for rape victims. We must investigate suspects rather than doubting victims and we need to support victims through every stage of the criminal justice system. Because everyone who reports this crime is not just doing so to secure justice for themselves but to protect all of us.” This I wholly agree with!

Meanwhile, more rape victims will be spared the trauma of needing to attend a trial by having their cross-examination video-recorded earlier in the process away from the courtroom. A pilot of this provision will be trialled at a further three Crown courts, with government working closely with the judiciary to consider a wider subsequent rollout. The measure is already available in all Crown courts for vulnerable victims and witnesses, including children.

Further information on the areas which will be improved by this action plan can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/response-to-rape-overhauled

I will continue to make constituents’ voices heard when it comes to the criminal justice system, as I have done recently regarding ‘Clare’s Law’ and the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. So please, if you have any concerns or opinions which you wish for me to raise on your behalf, or any other matter, please do email me on chloe@chloesmith.org.uk or ring my constituency office on 01603 414756.