Giving evidence in court can feel overwhelming - especially for victims and survivors of rape and sexual violence. Many people don’t realise there are protections available to help make the process safer and less intimidating. This feature explores the special measures available to support survivors through the justice process, from live links and screens in court to pre-recorded evidence and communication support.

The European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR) is an international human rights treaty designed to protect fundamental rights and freedoms.

In the UK, these rights are largely given effect through the Human Rights Act 1998 - meaning public authorities, including police forces and prosecutors, can potentially be challenged when serious failures occur.

Preparing for a rape or serious sexual assault trial can feel overwhelming, emotional and deeply uncertain. This MYH x Know Your Rights feature breaks down what survivors may experience before trial - from court visits and video evidence to special measures, travel support and the emotional reality of preparing to give evidence.

Lobbying Parliament can sound intimidating, but political change is not only shaped by politicians, charities or professionals. People with lived experience have always played a vital role in pushing systems to listen, improve and reform. This feature explores how ordinary people can contact MPs, use tools like Hansard, support campaigns and turn personal experience into meaningful political pressure.

Contacting your MP can feel intimidating - especially when you are already exhausted by the systems you are trying to challenge. But MPs are elected to represent the people living the realities behind policy decisions, including people with lived experience. This feature explores how to contact your MP effectively, make your voice heard, and turn personal experience, concern or frustration into meaningful political pressure and conversation.

The system can be hard to navigate - especially when something’s gone wrong. This feature breaks down your options, from police and CPS complaints to what happens next, in a way that actually makes sense - and helps you understand what you can do.

If you’ve been told that no further action will be taken in your case, you may feel confused, shut down, or left without answers. The Victims’ Right to Review (VRR) exists to give you a way to ask for that decision to be checked.

VRR allows victims to request a review of certain decisions made by the Police or the Crown Prosecution Service when a case is not taken forward.

It is not a complaint. It is not about blaming you. And it is not about proving guilt. It is about making sure decisions are lawful, fair, and properly considered.

The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) is the body responsible for deciding whether criminal cases go to court in England and Wales. It does not investigate crimes - that role sits with the police - but it makes the key legal decisions about prosecution. Here, we unpack the role of the CPS and link you to some of their guides, which are particularly helpful for understanding how decisions are made and what to expect from the process.

When you’ve experienced crime, the justice system can feel overwhelming, confusing, or even alienating. To make sure victims and survivors are treated fairly, the government created the Victims’ Code - formally known as the Code of Practice for Victims of Crime. It sets out the rights you are entitled to whenever you engage with the police, courts, or other criminal justice agencies in England and Wales.