Recommendation 33

It is evident that even when people’s cases do make it to court, their experience of the trial can be very difficult. We welcome the national roll-out of section 28 of the Youth Justice and Criminal Evidence Act 1999 to intimidated witnesses (victims of adult sexual offences and modern slavery). This will make a significant difference to complainants’ experiences of the criminal justice system. However, we would urge the Government to consider the obstacles to a successful roll-out—for example, the availability of counsel—in consultation with the legal sector, including the judiciary, the Bar Council and the Criminal Bar Association, and the means of overcoming these obstacles. The outcome of this piece of work should be published with the next Rape Review Progress Update.