More support for sex assault victims

REBECCA MacGilvray accused a man of sexually assaulting her.

Traumatised by her ordeal, she took her own life and the charges against her alleged attacker were dropped.

Now her distraught family are left wondering what protections there are for victims in such tragic circumstances.

They feel let down, betrayed and confused.

The alleged attacker was on bail and under the terms of a sex offences protection order when Rebecca says she was assaulted.

The 24-year-old was found dead three months later, having taken a concoction of anti-depressants.

Accused Douglas Livingstone has now walked free from court, the charges against him dropped due to “insufficient evidence”.

It’s an incredibly sensitive case and a result that the family, who say they felt ignored during the process, are struggling to understand.

They also question why evidence gathered while Rebecca was alive was not used to try to secure a conviction.

It’s clear the system is still not geared up to meeting the needs of victims in sexual assault cases.

Victims need support, whether that’s giving pre-recorded evidence before trial or simply being better informed by authorities.

The Government and Crown must listen to Rebecca’s family and improve the system before more innocent people are forced through this ordeal.