Government to launch free legal advice service for rape victims

Victims in rape and attempted rape cases will be able to access free legal advice through a proposed Government-backed pilot.

The initiative will give victims the chance to prepare for giving evidence alongside a lawyer, as well as helping them to understand their rights.

The service was announced as part of the stage two proceedings of the Victims, Witnesses and Justice Reform (Scotland) Bill on Thursday, with justice secretary Angela Constance laying out the plans to the Criminal Justice Committee.

If the Bill is passed – which it is widely expected to – the service would be delivered by the Emma Ritch Law Clinic at Glasgow University.

The pilot was jointly proposed by charity Rape Crisis Scotland and the Faculty of Advocates.

“The pilot is part of the Scottish Government’s wider work, including proposals being taken forward through the Victims, Witnesses, and Justice Reform Bill, to improve victims’ experiences of the criminal justice system,” the Justice Secretary said.

“An advisory group will be set up to help develop the pilot and more details will be available in due course.”

Rape Crisis Scotland chief executive Sandy Brindley said she was “delighted” the Scottish Government has agreed to support the pilot.

She said: “Far too many rape survivors tell us that they feel ill-informed and unprepared for giving evidence in court.

“Providing independent legal advice, and access to an experienced court practitioner to answer any questions they have, could make a profound difference to survivors’ experience of seeking justice after being raped.”

Tony Lenehan KC, the vice dean of the Faculty of Advocates, also welcomed the pilot.

He said: “This bold innovation by the Scottish Government will improve the experience of vulnerable and anxious witnesses and complainers as they navigate our criminal justice system, enhancing their understanding of the processes involved, maximising their engagement, and yielding greater satisfaction with how they are treated within it.”