Dismantle the Scots Law of corroberation in relation to Sexual assault and Rape Cases.

Dismantle the Scots Law of corroberation in relation to Sexual assault and Rape Cases.

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Kathleen McVey started this petition to Nicola Sturgeon (First Minister of Scotland) and

The Scots law of corroboration requires two independent sources of evidence in support of each fact before the accused can be convicted. 

This law (unique to Scotland) prevents many historic and present child sexual abuse cases and rape cases being accepted by the procurator fiscal, affecting tens of thousands of Scottish people.

The percentage of guilty verdicts in rape and attempted rape cases making it to court declined from 49 per cent to 39 per cent.

In 2018-19, there were 2,255 rapes reported  and attempted rapes reported in Scotland, but only 247 were prosecuted.

EVIDENCE SHOULD BE ASSESSED ON QUALITY NOT QUANTITY.

The law of corroboration needs to be changed and I urge you to sign this petition and help the most traumatised in our country gain justice and recognition.

In my own historic abuse case  - at 10 years old the onus on me to consider and be aware of this law is absurd and abhorrent. Even with an adults admission that I spoke to them as a child is not enough evidence with this law in place.

How many peadophiles and rapists have evaded justice?

How many more children and adult victims lose their chance of a day in court because they're case is rejected on the grounds of "insufficient admissible evidence" known as corroberation. (Taken from my letter of rejection from the COPFS).

 

Further reading - 

https://www.scotsman.com/news/politics/kenny-macaskill-renews-calls-abolition-corroboration-rule-338972?amp

https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/sex-offenders-protected-by-corroboration-law-campaigners-tell-humza-yousaf-qzfdh5g3w

 

136 have signed. Let’s get to 200!
At 200 signatures, this petition is more likely to be featured in recommendations!