Video justice will help break down barriers for sexual violence victims

Video-link evidence is gathering pace across the UK with Cleveland the latest region to introduce the technology in a sexual assault referral centre (SARC) to provide “a lifeline for vulnerable victims”.

It means victims of rape and sexual abuse will no longer have to face their attackers in court.

The remote link at the Teesside SARC will allow women and men who have been raped or sexually assaulted to give evidence and be cross-examined without entering a courtroom. Previously, if the defendant denied the allegations, victims wanting to proceed with a prosecution could still have to attend court to give evidence.

The new link is designed to reduce the “anxiety and stress” often experienced by vulnerable victims during the court process.

The facility is among a number of special measures for vulnerable victims, including the option of giving evidence via video link from another part of the court building.

SARC Teesside manager Sue Smith explained: “SARC works to ensure that people who experience sexual violence and rape get the best possible support available. Sadly, despite improvements and a greater awareness, there are still many hurdles facing victims in the aftermath of a sexual offence.

“The introduction of the remote evidence link enables vulnerable witnesses to give their evidence without entering the court arena and has the added advantage of specialist trained support workers being available on site.”

The remote link is being funded with £10,000 from Cleveland police and crime commissioner Barry Coppinger, who said he had no doubt it will make a “massive difference” for victims in the local area.

“Coming forward to report a rape or sexual assault is daunting enough for victims, but the prospect of facing their attacker or being cross-examined in court can be terrifying,” he added.

“The live video link to court will be a lifeline for vulnerable victims who are too frightened to attend court and will help to alleviate the stress and anxiety which can arise during a court case.

Evidence by live-link was introduced under section 51 of the Criminal Justice Act 2003.

It had been piloted in five Crown Court centres and restricted to serious sexual offences. However, the Criminal Justice Act 2003 extended live links to all witnesses in all cases for all criminal offences in all courts and came into force on April 26, 2010.

Kent Police was the first force to introduce live-link evidence and has since proved that it increases the willingness of victims to support prosecutions and to give evidence to the court by as much as 25 per cent.

Bedfordshire’s PCC Kathryn Holloway, who introduced a video link service in the county’s SARC last year, said it was an “investment in care of the most vulnerable victims who have suffered some of the most serious crimes possible”.

She says it means victims can give their evidence remotely “in a supportive environment”, with their police independent sexual violence adviser to hand, and can also be accompanied by a third party of their choice in the room.

Ms Holloway added that it allows them to give their “best evidence”, which helps achieve the “best outcome for both them and for justice”.

She said Kent found than 60 per cent of victims preferred the experience of giving evidence remotely as opposed to attendance at courts in person.