Amanda Martin, Labour Member of Parliament for Portsmouth North, has warmly welcomed the Government’s decision to make changes that will stamp out rape myths and prevent victims dropping out due to trauma at trial.
- Rape victims to receive fairer trials under new government reforms
- Changes to stamp out rape myths and prevent victims dropping out due to trauma at trial
Alarming research by the former Victims’ Commissioner shows that, in 2024, nearly 60% of victims overall believed they couldn’t get justice. Now, Labour has taken action to improve victim experience at trial and prevent vile perpetrators evading justice.
Previous allegations of rape made by the victim, and their sexual history in general, can now only be used as evidence in favour of the accused if proven truly valuable. This will simplify legislation already in place and require that judges consider that the use of sexual history as evidence may perpetuate rape myths.
Among reforms being taken forwards by the Government is formalising the use of companions as a special measure to help witnesses give their best evidence, and clarifying when the court can exclude intimidating individuals from the public gallery.
Recognising that most sexual offences happen in the home, it will be enshrined in law that previous convictions evidencing domestic abuse can be used at trial for further domestic abuse related offences.
Rebuilding this trust for rape victims is crucial to the government’s Plan for Change and mission and halve violence against women and girls in a decade.
Amanda Martin MP said: “Labour is reforming our justice system so that it works for rape victims, not against them. I know from my experience talking to victims in Portsmouth that they have been waiting far too long for justice and can experience harrowing questioning at trials.
“I’m proud to be part of a government that is taking action to put victims first, and to stop rape myths having any place in our courts.”
Deputy Prime Minister, David Lammy, said: “Far too many victims of rape are dropping out of the system because they feel that they are the ones on trial. This has enabled vile rapists to evade the punishment they deserve for far too long.
“This needs to stop. We must rebalance the justice system to serve victims first and foremost, and that starts with the crucial reforms we’re bringing forward today.”
Minister for Victims and Tackling Violence Against Women and Girls, Alex Davies-Jones, said: “Facing their rapist at trial is already one of the most difficult things a victim will ever have to do. The vast majority of these victims are brave women and girls who just want to be believed. The very least they can expect is not to be demonised for their experiences or made a spectacle of in the courtroom.
“These reforms are crucial to making the justice system a safe and supportive space for women. I thank the Law Commission and Katrin Hohl for their exemplary work in this space highlighting the injustices which women face.”
