Commissioner welcomes crucial reforms to give rape victims a fairer trial

The Ministry of Justice has today announced crucial reforms to evidence admissibility in rape trials, preventing a victim’s previous sexual history or unrelated trauma - such as past reports of abuse - from being used to discredit them in court.

The announcement follows a special screening of the award-winning play Prima Facie, starring Jodie Comer, hosted by Claire Waxman last Thursday (27 November). In a special Q&A that followed the screening, Claire Waxman highlighted the “emotional toll” of huge delays in justice, and said the play “forces us to question how justice is being delivered on rape and sexual violence”.

A panel discussion after the screening raised the problems of rape myths – such as the idea that sexual assault victims cannot have suffered abuse more than once – still being perpetuated in the courts.

Responding to the government’s announcement, Claire Waxman OBE, Victims' Commissioner for England and Wales (Designate), said:

“Only last week, in my final act as London Victims’ Commissioner, I hosted a special screening of Prima Facie, as we marked the global campaign to end violence against women and girls. We watched as the play laid bare the brutal reality of our court system - showing how a rape survivor’s history is weaponised to dismantle their credibility.

“At that event, we called for change. Today, I am pleased to see the government answering that call.

“I strongly welcome the measures announced to stop victims' past allegations being used against them. The 'Bad Experiences Not Bad Character' campaign has been vital in highlighting this injustice, and I have been proud to support it.

“As I prepare to take up the role of Victims' Commissioner for England and Wales, I look forward to working with the government to ensure these reforms are delivered effectively, turning these welcome words into meaningful change in the courtroom.”

ENDS