The London Rape Review, conducted by MOPAC and the University of West London is now published. The report looks at 501 allegations of rape reported in London in April 2016, providing the clearest picture to date of reported rape in the capital and the reasons why so few cases result in conviction.
Read moreMigrant Abuse Victims Need More Support in Landmark Domestic Abuse Bill
The stain of domestic abuse shows little sign of fading, says Anne East from the Immigration Advice Service. This guest piece explores the ways in which the Domestic Abuse Bill crucially overlooks the specific needs of migrant women.
Read moreFamily launch CrowdJustice campaign to challenge decision not to hold ‘Article 2’ inquest
The family of Susan Nicholson have today launched a CrowdJustice campaign to raise funds to challenge the Coroners decision not to hold an Article 2 inquest into her death.
Read moreTransforming pain into power: launch of the Maggie Oliver Foundation
Celebrate the launch of the Maggie Oliver foundation this Sunday 21st July, with contributions from CWJ director Harriet Wistrich.
Read moreDo Police and Crime Commissioners work for women and girls? →
A new report published by EVAW today finds that the 42 Police and Crime Commissioners’ response to domestic violence, sexual violence and other forms of violence against women and girls is “haphazard” and unreliable.
Read morePolice and Crown Prosecution Service abandon consultation meeting on rape victims' phones
Police chiefs and the Crown Prosecution Service cancelled a long awaited meeting to consult with victims groups around demands for rape victims' mobile phones just three hours before it was due to begin.
Read moreFailures of West Midlands Police and National Probation Service contributed to homicide of Lisa Skidmore inquest finds
The inquest into the homicide of Lisa Skidmore concluded on 20 June, with the jury returning a narrative conclusion finding multiple failures by police and probation services more than minimally contributed to her death
Read moreOur statement on John Worboy's guilty plea
Convicted serial rapist John Worboys, now known as John Radford, has today at the Old Bailey pleaded guilty to offences relating to four more women, admitting he had administered drugs with intent to rape or commit indecent assault.
Read moreFilming a person naked without their consent: Government says it is illegal, CPS refuse to prosecute: Judicial Review launched against DPP
We launched a second judicial review this week against the DPP, this time on behalf of Emily Hunt (who has waived her anonymity) to challenge the bizarre refusal to prosecute a man who admitted filming Emily naked without her consent for the purpose of his own sexual gratification.
Read moreHelp stop women being denied justice after rape
The criminal justice system is failing to deliver justice after rape. We’re taking action.
Read moreMy Name Is: I'd rather not say, but for the benefit of the recordings you can call me Courtney
A fantastic exploration of digital disclosure in rape cases by the BBC with one of our clients:
Read moreIn the News: My rapist confessed, and the police dropped my case – no wonder women are taking matters into their own hands
Whistleblowers have revealed that the legal policy of judging cases on their merit has been circumvented by a secret policy at the CPS
Read moreUnderstanding the Victim's Right to Review - Webinar
In this webinar from The Consent Collective Dr Nina Burrowes, solicitor Kate Ellis from The Centre for Women's Justice and 'Rebecca' from a recent story in The Guardian discuss the practical and emotional aspects of using the Victim's Right to Review. For more information and resources visit https://www.consentcollective.com/somethinggoodfromthis
OPEN LETTER, FROM WOMEN AND WOMEN’S ORGANISATIONS RE ‘TOMMY ROBINSON’ & HIS EURO ELECTION CANDIDACY
We have, along with many other women’s sector organisations, signed this open letter rejecting Tommy Robinson’s euro election bid.
Read morePress Release: Family slam cowardly CPS decision not to prosecute prime suspect in domestic homicide case: They will not give up in their quest for Justice for Jourdain
“Every three days in the UK, a woman will die at the hands of a violent male partner or ex-partner. The CPS violence against women and girls strategy states that they are determined to secure justice for all victims of domestic abuse. Why then will they not prosecute in this case? “
Read morePetition: Stop forcing sexual assault survivors to hand in their phones in investigations
Sign the petition to stop forcing sexual assault survivors being made to hand their phones over.
Read morePolice ask rape victims for help on phone seizure rules
Rape victims are being asked to recommend changes to rules on police seizing their photographs and private messages after complaints that they were being “digitally strip-searched”.
Police face legal action over requests for rape complainants' data
Rape complainants are preparing to take legal action against police chiefs over requests to disclose sensitive digital records in order to proceed with rape investigations
Read moreCWJ Press statement: New police policy on disclosure of personal data will deter rape complaints
Our legal work together with Rape Crisis nationally and other front line organisations has led to serious concerns about excessive disclosure requests being made of women reporting rape and sexual assault.
Read moreIn the News: Home Truths
By Melanie Newman for Law Gazette
15th April 2019
The law on domestic abuse, coercive control and violence has changed. But antiquated attitudes die hard and every step forward is a struggle, hears Melanie Newman
Coercive control and domestic violence are at the heart of two cases that hit the headlines this year. But are the justice system and judges up to the task of assessing coercive control, domestic abuse and violence? Default attitudes seem deeply ingrained. Nicola Stocker went all the way to the Supreme Court to establish that describing an assault that left red marks on her neck had not ‘libelled’ her husband. Sally Challen spent nine years in prison for the murder of her abusive husband, who subjected her to decades of coercive and controlling behaviour. Her conviction quashed, she may yet face a retrial. If this occurs, it will be a test for the court’s understanding of the law. Mixed results – and messages – from these cases are characteristic of this field of law.
Read the full article here