Police to no longer have routine access to rape victims' counselling notes
Summary
Police in a certain area will no longer have routine access to counseling notes of rape victims unless absolutely necessary, according to new guidelines. This change aims to better protect victims' privacy and ensure police can only request these notes in specific situations that meet strict criteria.Key Facts
- Police will not routinely access counseling notes of rape victims anymore.
- The new guidelines only allow access when it is necessary and proportionate.
- The guidelines are part of the Victim Information Request Code of Practice.
- Requests for counseling notes now require approval from a chief inspector.
- Previously, up to 30% of rape cases involved requests for counseling notes.
- Many victims avoided counseling during investigations due to privacy concerns.
- Charities and campaigners support the change, believing it will help victims heal.
- The Labour government aims to reduce violence against women and girls by half in ten years.
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