ten pound sterling note payback furlough
Legal news

Rape Victims should get free, independent legal advice, according to Law Commission proposals. 

Heidi Stewart Heidi Stewart
2 min read


The Law Commission has today (23 May 2023) published proposals for reform of sexual offences prosecutions. 

See https://www.lawcom.gov.uk/views-sought-on-proposals-to-counter-effects-of-rape-myths-in-sexual-offence-trials/

Victims of rape and sexual assault need to be treated humanely and given advice and support around the court process. 

Judges, under the new proposals, will be given powers to block evidence about rape victims’ previous sexual behaviour being used in court to protect their dignity in line with the rules used in Canada’s criminal code. 
Victims should be given independent legal advice and representation to allow them to make informed decision about the way their evidence is given and used. 

Commenting on the new proposals, Professor Penney Lewis, Criminal Law Commissioner, said:
“The way that the criminal justice system handles rape and serious sexual offences … leaves prosecutions at risk from the impact of pervasive rape myths, and can often cause distress and trauma” 

The proposals also include giving victims an automatic right to give evidence by video link, or in private; stricter controls on defence barristers lines of cross examination, in some cases having to seek prior approval  from the judge; and a process for disclosure and use of a complainant's personal records including counselling notes, which would be again overseen by the judge.

In a statement published online today Andrea Simon, Director of the End Violence Against Women Coalition (EVAW) said:

“Victims and survivors should be treated with dignity and respect throughout the criminal justice process…. The criminal justice system [currently] retraumatises victims and reinforces victim blaming at every turn.”

We are specialist sexual assault and rape solicitors, working to help you get compensation for rape as a victim. So if you would like to explore criminal injuries compensation for rape victims please do get in touch. We also have a rape victim compensation calculator you can use.

If you have ever suffered sexual assault or abuse, or been involved in the judicial process for a similar case there are places to turn to for support. 

https://www.sarsas.org.uk/
https://rapecrisis.org.uk/
https://safeline.org.uk/

Client feedback

For anyone who is wondering if its worth going through this process, I say yes. Stacey has been absolutely brilliant all the way through the process and constantly kept me updated on my case. Yes it was a long process but that was also down to me disengaging with Stacey for various reasons. I cannot thank Stacey and Erika enough for all they have done over the years. I wish them all nothing but success. Thank you. - June 2025
Anonymous
Outstanding very happy for ya sevice, it’s been a pleasure working with you, I’d recommend services to anyone who’s been through what happened to, thank you very much, Keith
Keith
Pleasent and very organised staff dealt with my problem with complete confidence and professionalism -top marks 👏👏
Eric
I am incredibly grateful to Winston Solicitors, and especially to Stacey Flegg and Keertan Gill, for their exceptional support in helping me receive my CICA compensation. From start to finish, they handled my claim with professionalism, empathy, and a deep understanding of the delicate nature of my situation.Both Stacey and Keertan were kind, approachable, and extremely knowledgeable. They kept me informed throughout the process and made what felt like an overwhelming journey so much more manageable.I truly appreciate all their hard work and dedication, and I wouldn't hesitate to recommend Winston Solicitors to anyone seeking legal support—especially in sensitive and complex matters.Thank you, Stacey and Keertan, for your outstanding service and for making such a positive difference.
Raluca
Thanks to Winston Solicitors, they have done an amazing job. They responded quickly and accurately and are an outstanding Solicitors I personally I would recommend using them.
Nicholas
For anyone who has doubts to start the process of compensation through CICA being represented by Winston Solicitors is can categorically say its worth it.Stacey was excellent from day one and very reassuring. Any questions, doubts i had she put them all rest. The process was long due to one reason or another from mainly my side. I highly recommend this Solicitors .
Anonymous
I have been supported throughout my claim very professionally and was always updated by Stacey Flagg, very pleased I chose Winston’s Solicitors to act on my behalf
Craig
They kept in regular contact and updated me as expected. When talking to them on the phone , I found them to be kind , compassionate , caring and efficient.
Emily
Contact Heidi