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Working to end sexual violence

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Statement on Emma Ritch Clinic

We’re delighted that the Emma Ritch Clinic, a new law clinic offering independent legal advice to survivors of sexual violence, will be established at the University of Glasgow.

The clinic will work in partnership with Rape Crisis Scotland and other referral organisations. We will provide more information on the referral process shortly.

The Emma Ritch Clinic will be the first of its kind in the UK and will provide independent legal advice and representation by practising Scottish solicitors, without charge. The clinic could be transformative for rape complainers seeking justice in Scotland.

Cost should not be a barrier to justice

Justice should not have a price tag.

Survivors who have had damaging experiences in court have the right to complain about how they have been treated during their case. But as Ellie Wilson’s case shows, survivors can be left with a massive bill, simply for seeking justice.

Not Proven: An Update

Miss M drawing

We welcome the independent analysis, released yesterday by the Scottish Government (read it here), on the response to the consultation on The Not Proven Verdict and Related Reforms, and particularly the clear majority support for the removal of the Not Proven verdict.

For most people who have experienced sexual crimes in Scotland the justice system in its current state is, quite simply, not working. The conviction rate for rape and attempted rape remains stubbornly low, the lowest of any crime type, and it has been this way for over a decade. We need action, and we need it now.

Successful Civil Rape Case Exposes Cracks in Criminal System

The second ever Scottish successful civil damages case for rape following an unsuccessful criminal prosecution has been announced, marking a significant day for survivors and justice in Scotland.

This is the third successful civil damages case for rape in Scotland, the second following a criminal prosecution.

After 6 years and 5 months of fighting for justice Ms AB - the survivor who took the case – is relieved and describes feeling overcome with emotion after what often felt to be a never-ending ordeal.

This case is thought to be the second of its kind – following the high-profile case of Miss M – and raises serious questions about the efficacy of the criminal justice system in delivering for survivors of sexual crimes.

The judgement can be read here.

Response to Updated Paper from the Scottish Centre for Crime and Justice Research

“We welcome this updated paper on court delays and the impact of these on victim-survivors of sexual crimes from the Scottish Centre for Crime and Justice Research. It adds growing weight to the calls for real, urgent action.

Before Covid we know that court delays were experienced as being very unpredictable, difficult, and traumatic by survivors being supported by Rape Crisis. Lengthy waits and last-minute changes meant that survivors often felt as though their lives were put on hold, and as though they were trapped in the trauma and unable to move forward. Now – with the court backlog estimated to take until 2026 to clear – the situation is untenable.

These are not problems that are without solutions. There are credible and robust options – including the use of judge led trials – that must be considered if we are to ensure that survivor and public confidence in the justice systems does not diminish even further. These options require courage and leadership and for us all to accept that doing nothing is not an option.” - Sandy Brindley, Rape Crisis Scotland

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