News
Victims, Witnesses, and Justice Reform Bill: Call for evidence
The Scottish Government’s Victims, Witnesses, and Justice Reform Bill proposes really significant changes to the way rape and sexual assault cases are dealt with in the justice system. We believe that most of the changes it proposes will benefit survivors.
The Bill contains many proposals including
- Creating specialist courts for sexual offences
- Removing juries from sexual offence trials
- End the Not Proven verdict
- Introduce a legal right to anonymity in sexual offence cases
Our statement on the Funding Independent Strategic Review of Funding and Commissioning of VAWG Services in Scotland
When we talk about services focused on violence against women and girls, we must remember that we’re talking about truly life saving services. The new Independent Strategic Review of Funding and Commissioning of VAWG Services in Scotland makes some important recommendations for how these services are funded and delivered, many of which we very much welcome.
Our initial response to proposed criminal justice reforms
Today the Scottish Government published the Victims, Witnesses, and Justice Reform (Scotland) Bill. This is a potentially transformative bill which could significantly improve the experience of survivors of sexual violence.
Survivors across Scotland have campaigned tirelessly to highlight the injustices of the current legal process and have played a crucial role in making the case for change.
New figures on court delays in Scotland
Nobody should have to wait four years for justice.
Our statement on the community sentencing of a convicted rapist
We are shocked that the perpetrator of the rape of a 13 year old girl has not received a custodial sentence. This is an extremely serious case.
Given the gravity of this crime and the fact it was tried at the High Court, this sentence appears to us to be worryingly lenient.
Our thoughts are with the survivor of this crime.
For survivors of any sexual violence, it can be very difficult to see reports of convicted perpetrators walking free from court.
The Rape Crisis Scotland helpline is open every night from 5pm to midnight. Call 08088 01 03 02, text 07527 410 027 (our text number will display on your bill), webchat on www.rapecrisisscotland.org.uk or email support@rapecrisisscotland.org.uk
RSSLatest posts
- Our response to Lord’s Advocate’s letter
- We talk a lot about the rise of rape and sexual violence, let’s talk about how to stop it
- Statement: Supreme Court ruling on Daly v HM Advocate; Keir v HM Advocate
- An open letter: Women against the Far Right Scotland
- ‘Today has given survivors back their voice’: Campaigners celebrate removal of not proven verdict
