In a working party report, ‘Prosecuting Sexual Offences’, published this week, the organisation makes 57 recommendations for reform across investigations, prosecution and sentencing. They include a legal requirement that internet companies report to Companies House what they are doing to stop sexual offences taking place on their platforms, and that company directors who fail to do this be held criminally liable.
To make court cases more efficient, JUSTICE recommends there be a dedicated hearing to assess the needs of complainants giving evidence and that pre-recorded evidence be made available for all sexual offence cases. Stronger safeguards should be in place to protect complainants and vulnerable witnesses, and the Judicial College and the Inns of Court College of Advocacy should consider joint training on this issue. Police video recorded interviews should be tailored to the needs of vulnerable witnesses in terms of location, questioning and structure, to improve the quality of their evidence.
Recent years have seen an increase in sexual offence allegations due to online offences, a rise in reporting, shifting cultural attitudes and the uncovering of non-recent crimes.
Andrea Coomber, director of JUSTICE, said: ‘At a time where sexual offence allegations are putting the criminal justice system under increased strain and causing distress to victims, it is particularly important to not only ensure that procedures are efficient but also to identify ways to stop sexual offending occurring in the first place.
‘This report highlights the need for a holistic approach to sexual offences that encompasses education, prevention and effective rehabilitation.’
Peter Rook QC, chair of the working party, said there was ‘substantial scope for alleviating the pressures upon the criminal justice system’.
