This first ever national Independent Legal Advice service for adult survivors of sexual violence and abuse has been launched.
The service, funded by the Ministry of Justice and supported by the Centre for Women's Justice and Victim Support, will provide specialist, independent legal advice to survivors about their rights within the criminal justice process.
The Bar Council has welcomed the news but said it's important complainants are supported throughout the process and are not subjected to further suffering caused by the underfunded criminal justice system.
Bar Council Chair Kirsty Brimelow KC said: "I have long supported legal advice to complainants that gives accurate information about cross- examination in court and the process. There are many falsities about how complainants are treated in court. Expert advice ahead of the trial should serve to reassure complainants and also inform them as to what to expect in court. Of course there is a clear line against coaching.
"Whilst complainants of all crimes might benefit from advice from an appropriately skilled lawyer, there is more of a need for complainants of sexual offences as there is so much wrong information that perpetuate myths.
"Whilst investment in complainants of sexual offences is welcomed, it remains pointless to support complainants to court if their trial does not go ahead due to lack of barristers to defend or prosecute the case. The government needs to act on the crisis in the criminal justice system and recognise the critical need to implement the very modest legal aid increase announced nearly a year ago."