Source · Select Committees · Home Affairs Committee
Recommendation 22
22
Deferred
Commit to offering independent legal advice to all rape victims, subject to pilot success.
Recommendation
If engagement with victims’ groups as promised by the Rape Review Progress Update demonstrate support and the need for independent legal advice, the Government must commit to offering legal advice to all victims of rape, subject to the success of the pilot. (Paragraph 127) The CPS response to rape
Government response summary AI-generated
The government committed to the national rollout of section 28 (pre-recorded cross-examination) for sexual and modern slavery complainants, with implementation ongoing across Crown Courts, and is consulting on criminal legal aid fee scheme changes to reflect this work, but did not commit to offering legal advice to all victims.
Summary of the government's response below — read the verbatim text to verify.
Government Response
Deferred
HM Government · verbatim extract
Deferred
The Ministry of Justice has consulted on options to enhance legal support or advice for victims of rape or serious sexual assault regarding personal information requests, including police requests for mobile phone downloads and social media records. We launched the consultation in March and distributed a stakeholder survey in early May. The consultation explored current provision and options to strengthen victims’ access to legal advice or support, including the model adopted by the Northumbria Police and Crime Commissioner, as well as options to enhance rape victims’ access to legal support or advice about personal information requests. As part of the consultation, we engaged with a diverse range of stakeholders, including victims’ groups. The consultation concluded in June after a series of small stakeholder events. We are now analysing the outcome of the consultation to determine next steps and will continue to engage with victims’ groups throughout the process.
Read the full response on Parliament ↗