Courtrooms cleared to protect rape victims

THE public will be barred from courts when rape victims give evidence under government plans to boost prosecution rates for serious sexual assaults.

Judges will be advised to consider clearing public galleries in an effort to reduce the “daunting” trauma victims face when they give evidence.

The move was recommended by an inquiry into sexual offence trials by Lord Justice Sir John Gillen, and will be part of a cross-Government review of rape to be published this spring.

The shake-up aims to reverse the slump in rape prosecutions where half of victims drop out in the face of invasive disclosure demands. Curbs aimed at stopping police trawling previous sexual relationships will also be recommended, as well as the wider use of prerecorded statements by victims so they do not have to appear in court. A public education campaign to combat rape myths is also under consideration.

“It is as much about being supportive as it is about improving outcomes in trials,” said a source.

The way judges operate will be one of four prongs. The second will set legal limits requiring “proportionate” disclosure when a victim’s phone is examined for evidence. The third is for the police, Crown Prosecution Service and other agencies to work closer together at an earlier stage backed by more resources, while the fourth will be about improving support, enforced in a new victims’ law that includes independent sexual assault advisers who guide and advise victims every step of the way to court.

A source said: “Are judges making the best use of their powers like clearing public galleries? There is generally a feeling that that is not used enough.”

Sir John’s review, set up after a highly-controversial rape trial, recommended clearing the public gallery except for the press, a friend, relative or parent of the victim and the accused. The public would be allowed back for the verdict and sentencing.