ORGANISATIONAL AIMS

 

The Charity's Mission and Purpose - Registered by the Charity Commission (Charity number 1194627),

Our charity is committed to improving the quality of life for victims of sexual violence.

Our Mission

Our charity is dedicated to addressing the complex challenges faced by complainants of sexual violence, both in the courtroom and beyond. We are committed to equipping future criminal barristers and other legal professionals with the knowledge and skills needed to understand the damaging effects of myths and stereotypes, as well as the profound trauma, PTSD, and harm experienced by complainants.

We adopt a progressive approach to tackling the unique challenges that individuals and communities face as a result of sexual violence—challenges that affect mental and physical health, family dynamics, and intersecting social issues. Our ambitious plans for the future include conducting our own research into the impact of rape myth bias within the courtroom, both in the UK and other international jurisdictions.

We are profoundly grateful to our past, present, and future funders, donors, trustees, and volunteers. Your unwavering commitment to recognising the journeys of sexual violence victims and survivors, and your dedication to amplifying their voices, form the foundation of our mission.


Achieved Outcomes:

  • Developed collaborative relationships with judicial institutions to support efforts aimed at reducing the incidence of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) among complainants. This has involved conducting research, creating educational programmes and resources, and beginning to monitor the prevalence of rape myths and stereotypes within the justice system.
  • Strengthened advocacy for victims navigating the justice system by providing both practical and emotional support during the critical three-month period following court proceedings. We have introduced feedback mechanisms that seek to amplify complainants' experiences, ensuring their voices are considered by key stakeholders.
  • Educating on Offending Behaviors (part of our Moodle course and Podcast)

    A key part of our mission is to educate the public and professionals on understanding offending behaviors. Shifting the focus to perpetrators' tactics rather than victims’ actions is essential for reducing misconceptions. As Sherry Hamby, editor of Psychology of Violence, aptly stated: "If you don’t really understand perpetrators, you’re never going to understand sexual violence."


Purpose: supporting Progress in Addressing Sexual Violence

At the heart of our mission is the commitment to support all those impacted by sexual violence and to drive meaningful improvements in the justice system and societal understanding. This is guided by three key components that form our fundamental ethos:

  • Where We Have Been:
    Reflecting on past challenges and the progress made, we strive to honor the experiences of complainants, acknowledge systemic gaps, and build upon lessons learned.
  • Where We Are Now:
    By actively engaging with current issues and working within the justice system, we aim to support complainants and professionals in navigating the complexities of sexual violence cases while fostering education and awareness.
  • Where We Are Heading:
    With a focus on sustainable change, we aim to shape a future where survivors are empowered, perpetrators are held accountable, and justice is delivered with fairness and parity.

The Current Landscape

Recent figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS), released on 26th January 2023, show that sexual offences are at an all-time high. With complainants often waiting up to two years for trials, the risk of retraumatization is substantial.


VICTIM SUPPORT 2024 Report on court experiences, summaristed the court process is re-traumatising victim-survivors of sexual violence, with some being diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and experiencing suicidal thoughts, according to a new report published today (Thursday 10 October) by the charity Victim Support.

Some made suicide attempts whilst going through the court process.

Suffering for Justice, which examines the experience of sexual violence victim-survivors where the defendant has been charged and the case has gone to court, found three quarters (73%) of victim-survivors were subjected to questions and accusations associated with rape myths by the defence, during cross examination. (1)

Of cases analysed:

  • One-third (36%) of victim-survivors were asked what they did to stop the offence while it was happening
  • One third (33%) faced accusations that pursuing justice was a way of seeking revenge
  • One-third (33%) experienced questions about their alcohol consumption or substance use
  • 15% faced questions about what they were wearing
  • 12% faced questions and accusations that the incident was just regretful or bad sex

Victim Support says the use of rape myths and victim-survivors’ sexual history must stop. The research focuses on victim survivors’ experience across three stages: before, during and after giving evidence, revealing long waits every point:

  • Half (50%) of cases analysed waited three years or more from the point of reporting to the police to the first court date.
  • Half (47%) of cases analysed were adjourned, some up to four times, often at the last minute, with no explanation.

Lengthy waits of up to eleven months persisted at sentencing and, even when there was a guilty verdict, offenders who lived close to victim-survivors were sometimes not remanded in custody.

The report exposes an absence of information and updates at every stage of the criminal justice process.

Some victim-survivors went as long as eight months without receiving any communication and the information they did get was often confusing or altogether inaccurate. Katie Kempen, Chief Executive Officer at Victim Support said: “The court process is, quite simply, asking too much of victim-survivors. There is a post code lottery, when it comes to whether they are receiving vital rights – like special measures and information about the progress and outcome of their case.”


Looking Ahead: A Commitment to Change

The forthcoming release of the Law Commission’s Evidence in Sexual Offence Prosecutions report is anticipated to be pivotal. However, meaningful and sustained implementation of the proposed changes will be essential. Through our work, particularly under Pillar 3, we strive to:

  • Empower complainants by amplifying their experiences.
  • Share insights gained to drive systemic improvements.
  • Advocate for resolutions that prioritise complainants' needs while ensuring justice for all.


Our Core Pillars and Projects

You can sign up/refer to all the projects using the forms on this website. 


Justice Is Now Education

Moodle course (CPD accredited) Preparing for a career as Criminal Barrister: Serious Sexual Offences. The course is now live. The modules are designed with an expected learning time of 90-120 minutes per chapter. The pre- and post-course questionnaires focus on students' career ambitions, particularly tracking those interested in becoming barristers specialising in serious sexual offences. Additionally, the data collected may shed light on the obstacles students face in pursuing this career path.

Court observations—sharing with Barristers/Judges/Student learning

Data collection and dissemination.


Justice Is Now Complaints Court Experiences

Both achieving a conviction or the defendant being acquitted can leave complainants feeling the need to share their experiences and seek understanding from legal professionals and others involved. This feedback loop provides crucial support to complainants who often feel abandoned or left with lingering questions about the process, decisions, or outcomes.

By documenting and sharing these experiences—especially when complainants feel overzealous advocacy was used or struggle to understand a jury’s decision—we can foster greater transparency and facilitate closure. Engaging those involved in the court process in this feedback loop helps ensure complainants' voices are heard and promotes a more inclusive and supportive judicial experience.


Justice Is Now Local Peer Support

This project offers much-needed advocacy support to complainants and their families before they begin counselling, helping them take steps toward healing.


Our Commitment to Parity of Justice

While we primarily focus on supporting complainants, we are equally committed to fairness within the justice system. Conversations with legal professionals have highlighted significant challenges in cases involving younger complainants and accused individuals, particularly in situations such as dating, relationships, or casual encounters.

Key concerns include:

Awareness of Consent Laws: Many young people lack a full understanding of the legal definition of consent and the concept of "reasonable belief."

Education on Consequences: Both young men and women must understand the legal and personal ramifications of actions where consent may be unclear.

Addressing Tragedies: The tragic suicide of a 17-year-old accused of rape underscores the urgent need to integrate these discussions into education systems to prevent similar outcomes.

Supporting Complainants While Ensuring Justice for All

Our work is rooted in the experiences of complainants, but we also emphasize the need for fairness and parity within the justice system. By fostering awareness, supporting education, and advocating for systemic change, we aim to build a society where:


  1. Victims are supported.
  2. Perpetrators are held accountable.
  3. Justice is fair and balanced for all.