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Closed Ban counselling notes of rape survivors from being used in court

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Victims of rape and sexual assault are discouraged from having counselling because of the fear that their counselling notes could be used against them if their case goes to court.

Victims of rape and sexual assault should be able to speak freely in a safe environment without the worry of potential repercussions to their case. Only 15% of those who experience sexual violence report it to the police because of the lack of help and support. This means that other citizens are still in danger from unreported rapists and the victim is living in fear of another assault.

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  • Related activity

    Share your views on support for victims in the justice system with the Government

    The Government is asking for people's views on how victims can be better supported through and beyond the criminal justice process across England and Wales. Responses will be used to inform the proposed Victims' Bill, which the Government states will "ensure that victims are properly engaged throughout the justice system, empowering them to come forward and be confident that offenders will be brought to justice".

    Read a summary of the proposals, and share your views: https://consult.justice.gov.uk/victim-policy/delivering-justice-for-victims/

    The survey closes on 3 February 2022.

    Who is running the consultation?

    The consultation is being run by the Ministry of Justice (MoJ), which is responsible for the judiciary, the court system and prisons and probation in England and Wales, with some additional UK-wide responsibilities such as the UK Supreme Court, and judicial appointments by the Crown.

    Find out more about the MoJ: https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/ministry-of-justice

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    You can sign up to the UK Parliament newsletter for the latest information on how to get involved and make a difference: https://learning.parliament.uk/en/your-uk-parliament-newsletter-sign-up-form/

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  • Petition published

    This petition can now be signed.

    If this petition gets 10,000 signatures, government will respond to it.

    If this petition gets 100,000 signatures, it will be considered for debate in Parliament.

    This petition will stay open until 25 September 2020.