February 3, 2005: Supporting Survivors of Sexual Violence

A new legal handbook for victims of sexual violence has just been launched. ‘From Report to Court – A Handbook for Adult Survivors of Sexual Violence’ offers a comprehensive source of help and advice to victims from the perspective of the victim.

Rights of Women, a not-for-profit organisation working to “inform, educate and empower women on the law and their legal rights���, and Cathy Halloran from London Metropolitan University's Child and Woman Abuse Studies Unit have worked together to produce the handbook. The handbook, a copy of which is available from Rights of Women website, brings together information and advice on the process of reporting and prosecuting sexual violence.

The Home Office funded production of the handbook, which offers a unique source of information written from the victims’ perspective. Home Office Minister Baroness Scotland set out the key steps the Government has taken to improve support and services for victims.

The new Domestic Violence, Crime and Victims Act puts victims at the heart of the criminal justice system and will ensure more offenders pay towards supporting victims. It provides for a statutory Victims’ Code of Practice and a new Commissioner for Victims who will have a key role in championing victims’ rights across all services.

The Government is supporting the development of services in the community as well as Sexual Assault Referral Centres. There are now 13 Sexual Assault Referral Centres (SARCs) across England and Wales. SARCs provide immediate medical care and counselling for victims of serious sexual assault and, if the victim chooses, an opportunity to assist the Police investigation into alleged offences. The Home Office will shortly publish a booklet about sexual abuse and the law for people with a learning disability and those under 16 years old with a learning disability.

Baroness Scotland said:

“Sexual violence is a horrific crime which causes great distress and has long lasting effects. I welcome the launch of this handbook, which is written from the unique perspective of victims of sexual violence, and gives survivors of sexual violence a user friendly comprehensive source of advice and support. I would like to thank the voluntary and community sector groups who play a huge role in improving support for victims, for the considerable amount work they have put into making the handbook a reality. I also hope this handbook will help raise awareness of the issues affecting victims of sexual violence.

We are also developing Sexual Assault Referral Centres (SARCs) which are widely recognised as the way forward for provision of acute services to victims of rape and sexual assault. However, we know that not all victims choose to go to a SARC and most are not designed to address the longer-term needs of victims of sexual violence, and that is why the Government is also supporting the development of alternative but complimentary services in the community.”

Rights of Women Director  Ranjit Kaur said:

"Rights of Women are pleased to be launching this handbook as part of its broader campaign to combat sexual violence, as well as educating and informing women about their legal rights and remedies. We believe this handbook will provide essential information to women who have experienced sexual violence about what they can expect from law enforcement and government agencies.”