Sexual violence victims are facing re-traumatisation during court processes, with a new report revealing that three-quarters of them are subjected to cross-examination based on rape myths. Victim Support’s research uncovered that survivors have grappled with suicidal thoughts and attempts while navigating the legal system, with some being diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder.
In cases where perpetrators were convicted, two victims shared the challenges they encountered within the criminal justice system. A significant portion of victims, about a third, were accused of seeking justice as a form of revenge. Additionally, victims were questioned about their alcohol or substance use, clothing worn during the alleged assault, and even faced accusations of regretful or bad sex.
Delays in court proceedings added to the traumatic experiences, with half of the cases studied experiencing waits of three years or longer between the initial police report and a court date. Many cases were adjourned multiple times, sometimes at the last minute without clear reasons provided.
The report draws on interviews with victims and professionals from Victim Support, shedding light on the hardships faced by survivors. One survivor, Ellie, who was raped in 2018, recounted her five-year struggle with court delays and a challenging police investigation process. She described her court appearance as the scariest experience, feeling like she was being attacked.
Another victim, Kate, had to endure three years of waiting and three adjournments before her case finally went to trial in 2023. Despite the defendant being found guilty, Kate is still awaiting sentencing following a cancelled court date. Kate highlighted the discomfort of being questioned about her attire during cross-examination.
Katie Kempen, Chief Executive of Victim Support, expressed concern over the toll the court process takes on victim-survivors’ mental health, urging for necessary support and reforms to address delays and adjournments. The organisation called upon the government and justice agencies to take action in tackling these challenges.
The Ministry of Justice has been approached for comment on the report’s findings. With victims continuing to endure re-traumatisation and emotional distress during court proceedings, calls for systemic improvements and increased support for survivors are growing louder.