Stamping Out Rape Myths in Court
Government Announces Reforms to Deliver Fairer Trials for Rape Victims
The government has announced a new package of reforms aimed at giving rape victims a fairer, safer experience in court and tackling the rape myths that continue to shape trial outcomes.
Key Changes
Past sexual violence can no longer be used against victims unless it meets a new, strict admissibility test.
Higher threshold for admitting sexual history evidence, recognising its role in perpetuating harmful myths.
Compensation claims will also face a higher bar to stop victims from being branded “money-motivated”.
Domestic abuse history will now carry greater weight in relevant trials, reflecting the reality that most sexual offences happen in the home.
Courtroom protections strengthened, including companions, screens, and improved handling of pre-recorded evidence.
Why It Matters
Survivors have long described feeling as though they were the ones on trial. These reforms - supported by EVAW, Imkaan, and Rape Crisis England & Wales - aim to stop unrelated trauma being weaponised against victims and to refocus trials on the defendant and the case at hand.
Context
The announcement forms part of the government’s Plan for Change to rebuild trust in the system and halve violence against women and girls within a decade. It follows record investment in victim support services and sits alongside ongoing debate about wider court reforms and backlog reduction.
Want to Read More?
The full Law Commission report, underpinning these reforms, is available to read. In addition to a statement from the Centre for Women’s Justice and the Government announcement. See links below.
