Pre-Recorded Evidence Transforms Rape Trials
Rape victims who pre-record their evidence are reporting a far better experience in court, a new report reveals. The move, available in all Crown Courts across England and Wales since September last year, helps victims avoid the trauma of facing their alleged attacker live in court.
Victims Get Support Sooner, Stress Slashed
- Pre-recording means victims can access vital support like therapy much earlier.
- Rape cases reaching Crown Court have doubled since the Rape Review kicked off.
The report highlights that pre-recording evidence leads to less intimidating court appearances. Victims give their testimony nearer the time of the offence, improving memory recall. They also know exactly when to give evidence, cutting down agonising waits at court.
Importantly, victims can seek support without fearing that therapy or counselling records will be used against them during cross-examination.
Government’s Rape Review Shakes Up Justice System
The rollout of pre-recorded evidence is a key part of the government’s wider Rape Review Action Plan. The aim: boost victim confidence, increase prosecutions, and bring more rapists to justice.
Since the review launched in 2019, rape cases reaching Crown Court have doubled, edging closer to targets set to restore confidence to 2016 levels by the end of this Parliament.
Dominic Raab, Deputy Prime Minister and Justice Secretary, said:“Pre-recorded evidence is an important part of our plan to improve rape victims’ experience of the criminal justice system – reducing the stress and trauma that many suffer as a result of facing court. This report shows it is making an important and positive difference.Alongside better collaboration between police and prosecutors and a 24/7 support line we will stop at nothing to make sure that victims feel able to persevere with the process and bring more perpetrators to justice.”
Voices From The Front Line
One victim said of pre-recording their evidence: “Making it possible to go and pre-record it, I have no words to explain how much pressure it took from my shoulders. I feel safe, and I felt like I don’t have to meet anyone I don’t want to meet. I felt protected, just a safe environment to me.”
A police officer added: “I’ve watched the complainant giving evidence and I really felt for that person because they’ve just been pulled apart and in that horrible, hostile courtroom environment which I wouldn’t wish on anyone.”
Extra Measures Boosting Victims’ Support
- 24/7 support line run by Rape Crisis launched for rape and serious sexual violence victims.
- Operation Soteria expanded to 14 more police forces and 3 new CPS areas.
- New laws reduce intrusive phone data requests, keeping victims’ devices safe and accessible.
- New legislation planned for police access to personal data like medical records.
- Specialist sexual violence support pilots underway at Crown Courts in Leeds, Newcastle, and London with trauma-informed training and ISVAs.
- Funding for victim support quadrupled by 2025, including a 43% increase in Independent Sexual and Domestic Violence Advisors (ISVA and IDVA).
Justice System on the Rise
Alongside pre-recorded evidence, these measures are pushing positive change. Police referrals to the CPS are up 117%, and CPS charges have jumped 94% compared to 2019.
Police referrals are also 30% higher than in 2016, closing in on government targets. Charges remain just 12% shy of the goal set for the end of this Parliament.
With these reforms, the system is becoming less daunting for victims — and tougher on criminals.
