Campaign Win No More ‘Bad Character’

Government backs reform to stop survivors’ previous abuse being used against them in court

The government has committed to changing the law so that survivors’ previous experiences of rape and sexual violence can no longer be used against them in court - a long-fought reform led by Imkaan, Centre for Women’s Justice, Rights of Women, Rape Crisis England & Wales and EVAW.

For years, survivors have faced the deeply unjust practice of having unrelated past disclosures twisted into “bad character” evidence. It has allowed defence teams to imply dishonesty where none exists, retraumatising victims and deterring many from reporting at all.

The facts speak for themselves

• 1 in 2 adult survivors of rape have been raped more than once.

• Repeat victimisation is common among young women, Black and minoritised women, disabled women, and those targeted over a lifetime.

• Yet these very patterns of abuse have been used against survivors in the justice process.

This reform represents a crucial shift - one that recognises the reality of sexual violence and refuses to punish survivors for what was done to them.

As Survivor Chantelle* said:

“These changes bring new hope, especially for those most vulnerable who are asked invasive and inappropriate questions at trial causing great re-traumatisation.”

There is more to do. Implementation must be meaningful, and cultural change across policing, CPS, and the courts is essential. But today marks a significant step forward: a long-overdue commitment to fairness, dignity, and truth for those who come forward.

*Pseudonym used.