Scottish Government funds study into rape victims’ experiences of the criminal justice system

A survivor of abuse - Image credit: PA Images

A Scottish Government-funded research project that aims to identify the factors that influence whether victims of rape or sexual assault choose to get involved with the criminal justice process has been launched.  

Researchers will also consider how those who have been raped or sexually assaulted can be supported to give their evidence in the best way.

The study, which will be carried out by the Scottish Centre for Crime and Justice Research (SCCJR), is intended to ensure the criminal justice system becomes more victim focused.

Justice Secretary Michael Matheson announced the project this week, ahead of a meeting with Rape Crisis Scotland, where he and Chief Medical Officer Catherine Calderwood heard a survivor’s personal experience of the justice process.

Matheson said: “Listening to the views of survivors of rape and sexual assault is so important and I am humbled by the courage of those who are prepared to speak out where the system is not delivering for their needs.

“Going through the justice process can be a daunting experience and I am determined that we do more so that all stages are victim centred and trauma informed.

“This research will help identify examples of best practice and the changes needed to improve victim-survivor confidence in the system, and ensure it balances responding to the needs of the very vulnerable with the rights of the accused.”

Lead researcher Dr Oona Brooks-Hay, a lecturer in criminology in the SCCJR at the University of Glasgow, said the research would be an important opportunity to speak directly to victims of rape and sexual assault about their experiences from the beginning to the end of the criminal justice process.

She said: “Only those who have been through this process can tell us what it really feels like and what matters to them.

“We know from our earlier research about the role of rape crisis advocacy workers that a number of challenges remain in what can often be a difficult and lengthy process.

“Developing an in-depth understanding of victim-survivors’ needs, expectations and experiences as they progress through their own ‘justice journey’ is crucial to improving their encounters with the criminal justice system and the evidence that they are able to provide.”

Sandy Brindley, chief executive of Rape Crisis Scotland, said: “We need to hear directly from rape survivors about their experience of the justice process, good and bad, if we are to improve how we support them throughout the process.

“This research will play an important role in helping us consider how to secure better evidence, and any steps that can be taken to reduce any avoidable distress or trauma.”

The results of the research will be published as a report, ‘Justice Journeys: informing policy and practice through lived experience’, in February 2019.