Ulster Unionist Justice Spokesperson, Doug Beattie MC MLA, has welcomed Sir John Gillen’s preliminary report into how the legal system deals with cases involving serious sexual offences.
Doug Beattie MLA said:
“The Gillen report sets out proposed remedies to address a number of concerns, including the under-reporting of sexual offences, high drop-out rates by complainants and what is for many, an unacceptably daunting trial process.
“As the Ulster Unionist Justice spokesperson, I met Sir John back in June 2018 and it was clear then that he was going to look into this issue in forensic detail and that his findings would, if accepted, change the very nature of rape trials in Northern Ireland. This would set us apart from Great Britain on how we deal with this particular crime, but I believe it would be seen as real progress on ensuring justice for sexual offences in Northern Ireland. I also feel it could set the example as to the way forward for the rest of the United Kingdom.
“In particular, I spoke at length about ensuring the victim of any rape trial has legal representation and I welcome the fact that one of the options under consideration is publicly funded legal advice for complainants. I believe there will be widespread support for ensuring the victim has anonymity for life and that in order to ensure this, that rape trials should not be open to the public.
“I have long called for justice not only to be done but to be seen to be done, but at times this must not be taken in the literal meaning of the statement. The fact that some people attended the Ulster Rugby rape trial purely for some kind of voyeuristic pleasure is disturbing and is a real danger to ensuring anonymity for victims.
“It is important that victims of rape and sexual crimes feel that they can bring forward their complaints and that their case can be heard with care and compassion so that justice can be served. This preliminary report - on which consultation is open until Friday 15 January 2019 - is the first step in helping to achieve this, and also to breaking down the stigma that is associated with being a victim of rape or sexual crimes. I hope to see real tangible changes coming forward in the future on the reporting of sexual violence and a justice system that delivers for victims.”