No Survivor Should Face the Court System Alone: Demand Trauma-Informed Support
The Issue
As a survivor of sexual assault, I have personally experienced the overwhelming challenges that accompany criminal court proceedings in England and Wales. The anxiety of waiting in uncertainty, not knowing when I would be called to give evidence or face the accused and their family in a courtroom, was emotionally draining. Days were filled with anxiety, knowing what was to come, yet unsure of when it would transpire.
The justice system, as it currently stands, often neglects the emotional and psychological toll that these proceedings can have on survivors of rape and sexual assault. This neglect can lead to re-traumatization, creating an additional barrier to justice. The lack of clear communication, inadequate support services, and insufficient protections only exacerbate the distress survivors experience during what is already a harrowing time.
Our justice system must incorporate mandatory trauma-informed support throughout the criminal court process for survivors of sexual violence. This means having trained professionals available to guide survivors, offering them understanding and empathy while ensuring their psychological needs are addressed.
Moreover, clear and consistent communication about court dates and procedures should be a basic right for survivors, so they are never left in the dark about the process that deeply affects their lives. Implementing separate waiting areas and secure pathways to and from the courtroom can prevent unwanted encounters with the accused and their acquaintances, ensuring safety and peace of mind.
Statistics from the Office for National Statistics indicate that only a small percentage of reported rape cases in England and Wales result in a charge or summons, highlighting the systemic failures that discourage survivors from seeking justice. Mandatory trauma-informed practices can encourage more survivors to come forward, knowing they will be supported through every step.
By signing this petition, you can help ensure that the courts in England and Wales adopt these crucial changes. Let’s stand together to protect and empower survivors, to create a justice system that is not only effective but also compassionate.
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The Issue
As a survivor of sexual assault, I have personally experienced the overwhelming challenges that accompany criminal court proceedings in England and Wales. The anxiety of waiting in uncertainty, not knowing when I would be called to give evidence or face the accused and their family in a courtroom, was emotionally draining. Days were filled with anxiety, knowing what was to come, yet unsure of when it would transpire.
The justice system, as it currently stands, often neglects the emotional and psychological toll that these proceedings can have on survivors of rape and sexual assault. This neglect can lead to re-traumatization, creating an additional barrier to justice. The lack of clear communication, inadequate support services, and insufficient protections only exacerbate the distress survivors experience during what is already a harrowing time.
Our justice system must incorporate mandatory trauma-informed support throughout the criminal court process for survivors of sexual violence. This means having trained professionals available to guide survivors, offering them understanding and empathy while ensuring their psychological needs are addressed.
Moreover, clear and consistent communication about court dates and procedures should be a basic right for survivors, so they are never left in the dark about the process that deeply affects their lives. Implementing separate waiting areas and secure pathways to and from the courtroom can prevent unwanted encounters with the accused and their acquaintances, ensuring safety and peace of mind.
Statistics from the Office for National Statistics indicate that only a small percentage of reported rape cases in England and Wales result in a charge or summons, highlighting the systemic failures that discourage survivors from seeking justice. Mandatory trauma-informed practices can encourage more survivors to come forward, knowing they will be supported through every step.
By signing this petition, you can help ensure that the courts in England and Wales adopt these crucial changes. Let’s stand together to protect and empower survivors, to create a justice system that is not only effective but also compassionate.
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Petition created on 13 November 2026