"For too long victims of rape have faced not only the trauma of the crime but the trauma of a justice process that can feel like it is judging them instead of pursuing the perpetrator. The new national Independent Legal Advisor service will help victims understand their rights and challenge unnecessary requests for personal information."
"Operation Soteria was launched as a pilot scheme in 2021 to improve the handling of rape investigations by police. One of its key aims was to prioritise evidence about the suspect's behaviour and patterns and ensure victims only receive requests for personal information when it has substantial value to the case."
"Some victims were still having to navigate complicated legal requests and received requests for information including their mobile phones, therapy notes and medical records. Many victims have found their experience through the criminal justice system so stressful and daunting, with some describing parts of the process as brutal."
The government has announced reforms to support rape victims through the criminal justice system. A new national Independent Legal Advisor service will help victims understand their rights and challenge unnecessary requests for personal information. These reforms expand Operation Soteria principles into courtrooms, shifting focus from victim scrutiny to suspect behavior. Deputy Prime Minister David Lammy stated the changes aim to rebalance the system toward victim support. Operation Soteria, launched as a pilot in 2021 and expanded nationwide in 2023, prioritizes evidence about suspect patterns while limiting personal information requests. Despite these improvements, Victims' Commissioner Claire Waxman noted victims still face complications navigating legal requests for phones, therapy notes, and medical records, describing their experiences as stressful and sometimes brutal.
Read at www.bbc.com
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