Protection for rape victims brought forward

Measures to protect rape victims giving evidence in court as their alleged attacker looks on will come into effect a year earlier than planned.

Victims will be able to give evidence recorded before the trial from Sept 2017, rather than from the end of 2018.

Elizabeth Truss, Justice Secretary, said: “With more victims now finding the confidence to come forward, I am determined to make their path to justice swifter and less traumatic.”