Between 2015 and 2017, I went through the justice system after reporting rape. I gave my video-recorded evidence early on. I was assigned a therapist, but I was told we couldn’t talk about what happened.

Not because I wasn’t ready. But because it might “affect the case.”

So I sat in front of someone trained to help me, and stayed silent about the very thing that was destroying me. I felt punished just for trying to get help.

This experience isn’t unique to me. It’s part of a wider problem in how the justice system treats survivors after they give evidence but before the CPS decides whether to prosecute.

Despite changes under the Victims and Prisoners Bill (2023), which now limits when therapy notes can be requested, the fear remains. Survivors still worry that speaking in therapy could harm their case. Therapists are still unsure what they’re allowed to discuss.

That’s why I’m campaigning for change.

We’re calling for:

1. The right to trauma-informed therapy. Without fear it will be used against us

2. Clarity and protection for both victims and therapists, so no one is left in doubt about what’s safe

3. Better communication and support during the CPS decision period

4. A justice system that doesn’t retraumatize those it claims to protect

This campaign is called Testify Without Trauma and it’s for every survivor who has felt silenced, unsupported, or alone just for coming forward.

Please sign this petition if you believe survivors should be able to seek help without fear.

This is part of a bigger campaign to change the system.

Sign the main petition calling for legal reform and trauma-informed justice here - Larger Petition