Support for victims of rape and sexual assault

The CPS is committed to taking steps to help victims and witnesses through the often-difficult experience of becoming involved in the criminal justice system.

The CPS has made a public commitment to victims of rape and sexual assault. This explains how we will handle your case, what you can expect from us and what your rights are.

We know that the criminal justice system can feel confusing. To help you understand the process, we have created a step-by-step guide for victims of rape or sexual assault.

This explains what happens when a case is sent to the CPS, and the support that is available along the way. You can read this guide at any time, and it is also available in an Easy Read format.

How will this Enhanced service help me?

Every CPS area now has dedicated Victim Liaison Officers (VLO) in its rape and serious sexual offences team. If you are an adult victim of rape or sexual assault (aged 18 or over), you will be offered a pre-trial meeting with the CPS ahead of trial, to discuss the process, ask any questions and understand the support that can be put in place to help you to give your evidence.

You will also be able to contact one of our dedicated Victim Liaison Officers. They can answer questions you might have about the prosecution process, and they can signpost you to support services.

Your right to remain anonymous

As a victim of a sexual offence you are automatically entitled to lifelong anonymity in the press or any other publication.

This means that it’s against the law for the media, or anyone else, to publish your name or anything which identifies you as having been the victim of a sexual offence. This includes sharing your name on social media.

If you become aware at any point that your identity has been shared online or published in the media, you can report this to the police, and they will take action.

Special Measures - Support to give your evidence

As a victim or witness in a court case, you might be asked to come to court and talk about what happened. This is known as ‘giving evidence’.

This can feel daunting but there are things we can ask for to help you when you give your evidence – these are called ‘special measures’.

Special measures help you to feel more comfortable by changing how, when and where you give your evidence. This is so you can tell the court what happened in the best way you can. We call that giving your best evidence.

Special measures are not available to everybody, and there’s a formal process for asking for them. The CPS’s online Victims Guide has more information on special measures including four short videos to explain what special measures are, who can ask for them, and how asking for them works.

Independent Sexual Violence Advisers

Independent Sexual Violence Advisers (ISVAs) are specially trained people who support victims of rape and sexual violence, including child sexual abuse. ISVAs focus entirely on helping you - they work as your advocate to help you access the support and services you need.

You can speak to an ISVA even if you don't want to report a crime. They can talk you through your options, answer your questions, and provide practical and emotional support.

What ISVAs do

Every person's experience is different, so the support an ISVA provides will be tailored to your specific needs and circumstances. Their main role is to make sure you get the best practical advice and support possible.

What ISVAs Are Not

ISVAs are independent - they do not work for the police. They are not therapists or counsellors, but they can help you with practical support.

What ISVAs Can Help With

ISVAs can help you understand how to report what happened to the police, find counselling services and other support available to you, and guide you through the court process if you decide to pursue your case.

How to Access an ISVA

If you would like to speak to an ISVA or find out more about the support they offer, you can contact The Survivors Trust or Rape Crisis. You can also ask the police to refer you to an ISVA service.

Schools and community centres sometimes have information about ISVAs and can help you get in touch with one.

Remember, ISVAs are there to help you feel safe and supported throughout your experience.

Victim Personal Statement

A Victim Personal statement is a statement that you can give to the police if you have been a victim of crime. It is your way of telling the criminal justice system about the crime you have suffered and the impact it has had on you.

Interpreters

When an interpreter is needed, the CPS will choose one carefully. They will fully understand the victim's language or dialect and be familiar with their culture. This helps to protect the victim's privacy. It also prevents the victim's story being shared with the person who hurt them or others in their community. Prosecutors will also make sure the victim feels comfortable with the interpreter chosen. This reduces the risk of the victim feeling intimidated or distressed.

When considering a restraining order, our prosecutors will work with the police to gather the right information and will listen carefully to what victim tell us about their situation. This helps to make sure that any order put in place is appropriate and practical to enforce. Safety is our priority, and we will always take steps to make sure that protective measures meet the needs.

Restraining Orders

A restraining order is a legal order made by a criminal the court to stop someone from harassing contacting a victim or their family you or coming near you. It can include specific conditions to help keep victims safe including stopping people from contacting victims or from approaching their address or workplace. your circumstances.

Restraining orders can be applied for whether or not the defendant is convicted. This means that protection can still be put in place even if the court finds the defendant not guilty.