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Why Scotland needs Specialist Sexual Offences Courts

Quote that reads "We urge the Scottish Parliament to pass this bill and support the creation of this court. This is a real chance to redesign a justice system that treats survivors fairly and compassionately. "

Last week, the Scottish Government published the Victims, Witnesses, and Justice Reform (Scotland) Bill which seeks to improve survivors’ access to and experiences of the criminal justice system. If passed, this Bill will introduce a Specialist Sexual Offence Court, among several other potentially transformative proposals.

Why we support single judge trials

Judge with gavel. Text reads "Why we support single judge trials"

The Scottish Government’s recent Victims, Witnesses and Justice Reform (Scotland) Bill includes plans for a pilot of single judge trials.

We’re supportive of these plans and believe they could have real benefits for survivors engaging with the justice system. Here’s why we support the pilot scheme and how we think it could help survivors.

What are single judge trials?

Single judge trials are trials where cases are heard and decided upon by one judge. This is instead of a jury.

Ask an Advocacy Worker

Rape Crisis Scotland blog. Quote from Advocacy Worker Dawn reads "I want survivors to know that we will always believe them. No matter what a survivor says, we will be there with them to advocate on their behalf.  Whichever direction you want to go, we'll be there."

Set up in 2016, the National Advocacy Project is a network of specialist Advocacy Workers from local Rape Crisis Centres in Scotland who help survivors to access justice. All 17 Rape Crisis Centres have Advocacy Workers, meaning that survivors can benefit from advocacy anywhere in Scotland, from the Highlands and Islands right down to the Borders.

As a relatively new service, many survivors who think about pursuing justice aren’t aware of advocacy work or what help is available to them.

We spoke with Jo and Dawn, two Advocacy Workers at Rape and Sexual Abuse Service Highland (RASASH) in Inverness, to find out what Advocacy Workers want survivors to know.

"To all of the women and girls out there, I stand with you" - Reflections From A Survivor

"My journey to speak with the Justice Committee yesterday has been a long and tiresome one.

It was clear to me as soon as the opportunity arose through Rape Crisis Scotland that I needed to be involved. In a previous life, I have been known for my clarity of thought, my influencing powers and calmness under pressure. However, in this chapter that I find myself, with this version of myself, I knew that I could not have a professional air as I described my experience of the Scottish Justice System so far.

International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women '21

This blog is dedicated to the women of the Survivor Reference Group who so powerfully shared their stories in the Scottish Parliament yesterday. Thank you for your courage and determination. Your belief in a better world is inspiring.

Today is International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women and marks the start of 16 Days of Action. It’s been a year like no other, a year that feels as though it has both flown past and dragged and one where our collective resilience has been tested like never before.

It’s been a hard year for most of us, an impossible one for many, and whilst the impacts of Covid continue to be acutely felt the launch of yet another 16 Days of Action invites reflection.

It’s been a painful year for survivors of sexual violence and abuse. At times the public conversation has felt more like an onslaught with relentless coverage of violence and abuse. The tragic murders of Sabina Nessa, Sarah Everard and Esther Brown sparked nationwide conversations about women’s safety and our right to live free from the constant fear and threat of sexual violence. Survivors have spoken bravely and powerfully about their experiences and called for change.

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