RYV response to PPS Draft Policy on Prosecuting Sexual Offences

Raise Your Voice recently responded to the PPS Draft Policy on Prosecuting Sexual Offences, which is open for consultation at present and is available to read and respond to here:

Our view is that this Policy document is a welcome and important one, outlining as it does the seriousness of sexual offences, the role of the PPS in prosecuting them, and the relevant legislation that classifies these offences and allows for prosecution. However, we believe that this Policy would benefit from clarifying that all of this legislation - and therefore the ways in which offences are classified and therefore prosecuted – is subject to change and has been changed before. We also argue that the standards by which offences are assessed, particularly at the stage of the Evidential Test, needs to be clearer and that a framework for evaluation should be included. This is for the benefit of members of the public and especially to victims and survivors of sexual crimes, many of whom report disappointment with the process and would be reassured to know that this system is subject to change and can be improved.