A new report reveals that three-quarters of survivors of sexual violence are subjected to harmful rape myths during cross-examination in court. The charity Victim Support's research found the legal process retraumatizes victims, with some developing PTSD and suicidal thoughts. Long waits for cases to be heard and repeated adjournments exacerbate the trauma.
Three-quarters of survivors of sexual violence are subjected to rape myths during cross-examination, such as being asked what they were wearing or if they were out for revenge, according to research.
Long waits for cases to get to court and repeat adjournments at every stage of the criminal justice system compounded victims’ trauma, with the average wait for an adult case to come to court in England and Wales about three years and a case involving a young person about 2.4 years. Half of the cases analysed were adjourned, some up to four times, often at the last minute, with no explanation.
One survivor faced five years of court delays after being raped in 2018 and fought a police decision to close her case. The trial was eventually scheduled for 2023 and she had to undergo cross-examination. Katie Kempen, the chief executive of Victim Support, said: “The court process is, quite simply, asking too much of victim-survivors. Those who go to court are left dealing not only with the impact of the crime but also their experience of the criminal justice system.
Sexual Violence Court Proceedings Rape Myths Trauma Justice System
Australia Latest News, Australia Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Eerie footage as fugitive dad spotted with three children for first time in three yearsThree children have been spotted for the first time in almost three years after going missing with their fugitive father.
Read more »
DV victim Sheree Schonian shares experience as WA Government launches new campaign calling out coercive control7NEWS brings you the latest local news from Australia and around the world. Stay up to date with all of the breaking sport, politics, entertainment, finance, weather and business headlines. Today's news, live updates & all the latest breaking stories from 7NEWS.
Read more »
Details emerge about ‘furious’ stabbing attack on alleged Seaton murder victim7NEWS brings you the latest local news from Australia and around the world. Stay up to date with all of the breaking sport, politics, entertainment, finance, weather and business headlines. Today's news, live updates & all the latest breaking stories from 7NEWS.
Read more »
Mother of Lucy Letby victim tells inquiry she feels ‘betrayed’ by hospital managersChild C’s mother tells Thirlwall inquiry her family was ‘misled’ in a way that had ‘compounded our grief’
Read more »
‘Coward punch’ victim identified as 22-year-old Cameron Duce, as parents share tribute7NEWS brings you the latest local news from Australia and around the world. Stay up to date with all of the breaking sport, politics, entertainment, finance, weather and business headlines. Today's news, live updates & all the latest breaking stories from 7NEWS.
Read more »
Smirk led to Revolver victim being stabbed a dozen timesA man was stabbed and slashed while on his hands and knees at the popular nightclub suffering a punctured lung and broken hand.
Read more »