Rape victims to get specialised legal advice in courts

The government has announced that rape victims will be able to obtain specialist legal assistance throughout the criminal justice process.

The new laws would also extend Operation Soteria's principles into courtrooms, in the hopes of ensuring that the trial focuses on the suspect's behaviour rather than attacking victims.

Deputy Prime Minister David Lammy confirmed the scheme on Tuesday that the steps were part of "rebalancing the system to put victims first.

The new national Independent Legal Advisor (ILA) service will assist victims in knowing their rights and contesting unnecessary requests for personal information.

"For too long victims of rape, the perpetrators of the crime have suffered not only the physical abuse of the assault but also the emotional impact of a judicial process that may have left them convicted rather than seeking the perpetrator.

The new scheme is funded by £6 million in initial funding over two years and will provide victims with specialist legal assistance throughout investigations and court hearings.

Later this year, it is expected to be unveiled.

Claire Waxman, the Victims' Commissioner for England and Wales, said on Radio 4's Today programme that although there have been some positive developments as a result of Operation Soteria being rolled out across policing and forensic investigation, victims still need more assistance.

Operation Soteria was launched in 2021 as a pilot project to enhance police ability in dealing with rape investigations. In 2023, it was later extended to all police forces in England and Wales.

One of the key objectives was to prioritise evidence regarding the perpetrator's behaviour and patterns and ensure that victims only receive requests for personal information when it has a great deal.

According to Waxman, some victims were still struggling with complicated court requests and receiving calls for information including their cellphones, therapy notes, and medical records.

Many victims have found their experience with the criminal justice system too difficult and frightening, she said, with others referring to specific aspects of the process as "brutal.

Rape Crisis England & Wales (RCEW), which has been calling for such reforms, has welcomed the news and said that "systemic reforms such as those announced today are important and urgent.

The impact of the criminal justice system on victims can be devastating, according to the group, and that many people are often confronted with "overzealous and invasive questioning.