The Centre for Women’s Justice (CWJ) has been selected to deliver a government-funded legal advice service designed to help rape complainants understand and exercise their rights throughout the criminal justice process. The initiative, supported by Rape Crisis England & Wales and Victim Support, is expected to begin next year.
Victims Minister Alex Davies-Jones announced the organisation’s appointment this month. The service was initially announced by David Lammy in March and has received £6 million in funding for its first two years.
The initiative aims to give complainants access to independent legal advice when concerns arise about the handling of their cases. This includes challenging requests for sensitive personal information, such as counselling records, medical histories and mobile phone data, where those requests may be unnecessary or disproportionate.
The Centre for Women’s Justice said that, until the new service becomes available, many victims and survivors have had limited access to legal advice or representation to help them challenge decisions made during investigations and prosecutions. The organisation believes that this lack of support can contribute to additional distress and may lead some complainants to withdraw from criminal proceedings before a trial takes place.
Although the service will not provide representation at court, it is intended to help complainants navigate important legal issues and make informed decisions during the criminal justice process.
The charity is now recruiting civil and criminal lawyers to work within the service. According to CWJ, the positions are open exclusively to women under an occupational requirement it says is permitted by Schedule 9 of the Equality Act 2010.
Nogah Ofer, who will lead the service, said the organisation is seeking solicitors with relevant experience of the criminal justice system. This may include lawyers who have worked in criminal defence or prosecution, as well as practitioners with experience in civil claims against the police or public law.
Ofer explained that the service will involve applying established legal principles in a new context, as complainants have not traditionally had access to lawyers in this type of advisory role.
One area where legal advice may be particularly valuable is the consideration of bail decisions. While a suspect or defendant has their own legal interests and representation, complainants also have rights to be consulted in relevant circumstances. The service aims to help them understand those rights and make appropriate representations where necessary.
The launch represents a development in the support available to people reporting rape and other serious sexual offences. By providing access to specialist legal advice, the initiative seeks to help complainants understand the process, raise concerns about the handling of personal information and participate more effectively in decisions affecting their cases.
The scheme’s impact will depend on how effectively it reaches those who need assistance and how its advice can be integrated into existing criminal justice procedures. Its introduction is intended to address a gap in legal support for complainants while recognising that decisions about investigations and prosecutions remain subject to the applicable legal framework.
