The Law Commission are today (22 July 2025) publishing a report on their consultation examining the law, guidance, and practice relating to the use of evidence in sexual offences cases.
Their press release indicates important recommendations around the provision of Independent Legal Advice and representation for victims, raising the threshold for questioning victims about applications for criminal injuries compensation, improving victims’ access to special measures, and encouraging directions to juries on rape myths and stereotypes.
Centre for Women’s Justice (CWJ) contributed to the Consultation and provided detailed submissions in relation to a number of areas arising from the work we do to provide advice to frontline services and victims around the application of law, policy and practice by criminal justice agencies.
CWJ runs a legal advice service supporting women and girls who have experienced sexual violence and domestic abuse. We deal with around 600 enquiries per year from across England and Wales, supporting victim-survivors through the criminal justice system from reporting to police, up to trial and beyond. In addition, in London, together with Women and Girls Network, we are piloting a free independent legal advice service for sexual offence victims in the criminal justice system funded by MOPAC. Our work enables us to identify the systemic weaknesses in the criminal justice system that create obstacles for victims seeking justice.
From our specialist work in this area we have provided detailed evidence and recommendations to the Law Commission on issues including Independent Legal Advice and Representation for victims of sexual violence, access to victims’ personal records held by third parties, bad character evidence in relation to defendants and victims, and the use of special measures.
We look forward to reviewing the full report and commenting further.
ENDS
Notes:
To read Centre for Women’s Justice response to the Law Commission’s consultation on evidence in sexual offence prosecution, please click here