Choice between privacy and justice not right for victims of rape, says Dugdale

Victims of rape should not be forced to choose between their privacy and the pursuit of justice, Kezia Dugdale has said.

The Scottish Labour MSP said every effort must be made to ensure that victims were not deterred from coming forward. She made the comments after it emerged this week that victims of crimes, including rape, in England and Wales are to be asked to give police consent to access messages, photographs, emails and social media accounts.

It follows warnings from officials that refusing to allow investigators to access their phones could mean prosecutions are halted. The move is part of a response to a string of rape and serious sexual assault cases collapsing after crucial evidence emerged at the last minute.

Ms Dugdale said safeguards must be in place to ensure such a move could not happen in Scotland.

“Whether it’s what they wear, their sexual history or who they text, women are once again being forced to choose between their privacy and the pursuit of justice,” she said.

“Access to justice isn’t a carrot to be dangled in front of victims. It is a right.” First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said women who have been subjected to attacks should be put at the centre of all justice reforms.”