"Rape victims will receive free legal advice throughout the criminal justice process in a bid to make the process less traumatic, the Ministry of Justice (MoJ) said. Lawyers will help victims understand their rights and challenge unnecessary personal information requests. A new Independent Legal Advisor service will provide guidance outside court, including how to challenge "no further action" decisions by the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS)."
"The MoJ also confirmed the expansion of Operation Soteria, a programme improving police investigation of sexual offences. Ministers will seek a consistent "victims first" approach within the courtroom. Last month, courts minister Sarah Sackman admitted she wouldn't blame victims who choose to walk away from the criminal justice system instead of waiting years for a trial."
The Ministry of Justice announced a new Independent Legal Advisor service to support rape victims throughout the criminal justice process. Lawyers will assist victims in understanding their rights, challenging unnecessary personal information requests, and contesting "no further action" decisions by the Crown Prosecution Service. The government is expanding Operation Soteria, a program focused on improving police investigations of sexual offences. Ministers aim to implement a consistent "victims first" approach within courtrooms. These reforms address concerns about the lengthy trial process, as courts minister Sarah Sackman previously acknowledged that victims may abandon the criminal justice system due to extended waiting periods. The initiatives accompany the controversial Courts and Tribunals Bill, which proposes judge-only trials for certain offences.
Read at www.independent.co.uk
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