Can I Get Compensation for Historic Abuse?
If you were abused as a child and have since become an adult, you might still be able to claim compensation for the abuse.
Solicitor, Abuse
The former Victims’ Commissioner, Dame Vera Baird, called on the UK Government to re-evaluate special measures that are in place for rape victims during a Court trial, but has since quit after saying “criminal justice system is in chaos”.
For victims of rape and sexual abuse, the thought of giving evidence in Court can be very daunting and traumatising. In England and Wales, vulnerable witnesses are eligible to get special measures during the trial, such as giving evidence via video link or from behind a screen. But, this doesn’t always extend to intimidated witnesses, such as those who have alleged sexual offences.
The Government have now rolled out the Rape Review Action Plan, which was established on the 21st June 2021.
The Rape Review arose due to a severe decline in rape prosecutions in England and Wales, which were the lowest on record at 2,409 in 2020-21, whereas in 2016-17 it was at 5,190. These shocking statistics pushed Dame Vera Baird into driving for measures to protect rape victims when attending court.
Dame Vera Baird tried to fight to get special measures in place for all vulnerable and intimidated witnesses, including:
“We've found that almost everybody who was asked had heard victims say how frightened they were to come to court,” Dame Vera Baird told BBC.
The main fear for victims is coming face to face with their abuser, and their “supporters” if they have any. The idea of going to Court can often put some victims off from ever coming forward about their abuse, causing them to instead choose to suffer in silence.
We hope that the Government will agree to implement these special measures for all vulnerable and intimidated victims, so they can get the justice and support they need, without the added distress and trauma that going to Court can bring.
The Guardian. (2022, September 23). Victims' Commissioner for England and Wales, Dame Vera Baird, to leave post. https://www.theguardian.com/law/2022/sep/23/victims-commissioner-england-and-wales-dame-vera-baird-to-leave-post
End Violence Against Women. (2020, November). C-Decriminalisation of Rape Report. https://www.endviolenceagainstwomen.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/C-Decriminalisation-of-Rape-Report-CWJ-EVAW-IMKAAN-RCEW-NOV-2020.pdf
Ministry of Justice. (2022, September). Rape Review: Progress Report Year 2. https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/1168481/rape-review-progress-report-year-2.pdf
Sky News. (2022, September 23). Victims' Commissioner Dame Vera Baird resigns in damning letter accusing ministers of downgrading victims' interests. https://news.sky.com/story/victims-commissioner-dame-vera-baird-resigns-in-damning-letter-accusing-ministers-of-downgrading-victims-interests-12704044
Victims' Commissioner for England and Wales. (n.d.). The distressing truth is that if you are raped in Britain today, your chances of seeing justice are slim. https://victimscommissioner.org.uk/news/the-distressing-truth-is-that-if-you-are-raped-in-britain-today-your-chances-of-seeing-justice-are-slim/
The Guardian. (2020, July 14). 'We are facing the decriminalisation of rape,' warns victims' commissioner. https://www.theguardian.com/society/2020/jul/14/we-are-facing-the-decriminalisation-of-warns-victims-commissioner
Crown Prosecution Service (CPS). (n.d.). https://www.cps.gov.uk/
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