‘Pull back the curtain’ on treatment of sexual assault victims in court, says UK government adviser
Summary
Prof Katrin Hohl, the UK government’s independent adviser on rape, called for research into how judges, juries and barristers handle sexual assault trials in England and Wales. Ministers are expected to discuss proposals for changing consent laws after Russell Brand’s conviction, while support services report increased demand for help.Key Facts
- Hohl said courts should be examined for the use of rape myths and for how judges direct juries.
- Operation Soteria directs police and prosecutors to focus rape investigations on suspects rather than victims’ behaviour.
- A report by Hohl said cases prepared under the new system may face problems when they reach trial.
- Victims commissioner Claire Waxman called for judges to have a legal duty to address rape myths when they arise during trials.
- Russell Brand was sentenced to more than 10 years in prison after being convicted of raping one woman and sexually assaulting three others.
- Ministers are expected to discuss a proposed staggered consent law that would restrict adults over a certain age from having sex with 16- and 17-year-olds.
- Rape Crisis England & Wales said its services faced very high demand and increased calls after Brand’s conviction.
- The Metropolitan police are examining serious sexual offence allegations against David Walliams.
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