Sexual abuse victims have come forward alleging that a government scheme designed to provide them with free court transcripts was kept hidden from them for months, causing unnecessary suffering. The 12-month pilot scheme, which began in May, aimed to offer sexual violence and rape victims access to judges’ remarks without charge.
Unfortunately, many eligible individuals were unaware of the scheme’s existence until just weeks ago, leaving them without the vital closure they needed. One victim, identified as Jane, expressed her frustration at not being informed about the scheme earlier, stating that having access to the sentencing remarks sooner could have significantly helped her cope during difficult times.
Jane shared her experience of finding out about the scheme through social media campaigners in September, and how receiving the transcript made her feel validated and empowered. She emphasized the importance of having access to the judge’s remarks to aid in her healing journey and recovery from the trauma she endured.
While the Ministry of Justice (MoJ) acknowledged that the scheme was announced in December, it admitted that the promotion was impacted by the general election regulations. Despite this, the MoJ has since shared information about the pilot with over 50 support organizations to increase awareness.
The pilot scheme allows victims of sexual violence and rape to obtain judges’ sentencing remarks at no cost if their perpetrator was convicted. This initiative was met with approval by campaigners like Charlotte, who co-founded the Open Justice for All campaign. Charlotte expressed disappointment that the pilot was not adequately promoted, causing eligible victims to miss out on the opportunity for months.
Although the scheme represents progress, Charlotte believes that more comprehensive measures should be taken to support victims of sexual offenses. The Open Justice for All campaign continues to advocate for free court transcripts for all victims and the establishment of recording systems for magistrates court proceedings.
In response to the criticism, a Ministry of Justice spokesperson reiterated the government’s commitment to supporting victims of rape and serious sexual offenses through the pilot scheme. They emphasized the efforts made to inform victims’ groups and support organizations about the initiative and expressed a willingness to explore additional awareness-raising strategies.
Overall, the testimonies of victims and campaigners highlight the importance of accessible and transparent support systems for individuals who have experienced sexual abuse. By raising awareness and expanding initiatives like the pilot scheme, more survivors can receive the closure and healing they deserve.