Stand With Survivors

Bad experiences are not ‘bad character’

At M.Y.H, we stand with survivors in saying: past disclosures of sexual violence should never be used against someone in court unless there is clear, reliable evidence the previous disclosure was false.

Right now, survivors can be questioned in front of a jury about completely unrelated past experiences of abuse - sometimes even while they are giving evidence. This can happen without warning, leaving survivors retraumatised and undermined at the most vulnerable moment of their justice journey.

Many women experience multiple incidents of sexual violence in their lifetime - in fact, 1 in 2 adult survivors of rape have experienced sexual violence more than once. Yet instead of recognising this reality, the system allows defence lawyers to twist it into a reason to doubt their credibility. Judges apply the law inconsistently, and in some cases police and the CPS even decide not to prosecute at all, anticipating this tactic will be used in court.

This harmful practice silences survivors and punishes them for speaking out. At M.Y.H, we support the call from Centre for Women’s Justice, End Violence Against Women Coalition, Imkaan, and Rights of Women to demand change. We are backing their push for reforms to section 100 of the Criminal Justice Act 2003, alongside clear, strong guidance for judges, police, and the CPS to prevent survivors being discredited for having previously disclosed abuse.

No one should be put on trial for their own trauma. Survivors deserve to be met with belief, safety, and justice - not suspicion. Join us and take action today.

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