The prosecution of sexual abuse cases – action needed
Keir Starmer, the Director of Public Prosecutions, has written an article outlining the Guidelines for Reform that are currently out for public consultation.
You can read the Guidelines here and full instructions on how to respond are listed below.
The final question on the pro-forma asks for you to list the unhelpful myths and stereotyopes regarding sexual abuse, please be as detailed as you can. We will be tweeting about this using #SVMyths. We've chosen this # as all unwanted sexual contact is sexual violence, even if violence itself is not used before, after or during the acts(s).
Note you need to either complete the word document and send it to [email protected] or print and complete the PDF and send it by post (address listed below.) before the deadline of 3rd September 2013. Consultations recieved after this date will not contribute to the new guidelines.
How to respond to the consultation - a quick guide
By email
- Download the consultation document on Public Consultation on Interim Guidelines on Prosecuting Cases of Child Sexual Abuse consultation document (Adobe PDF document - 258kb)
- Download the consultation response document (Microsoft Word document - 24kb)
- Complete the form by typing in the spaces
- Send an email to us by 3 September 2013 and attach your response
By post
- Download the consultation document on Public Consultation on Interim Guidelines on Prosecuting Cases of Child Sexual Abuse consultation document (Adobe PDF document - 258kb)
- Download and print the consultation response document (Microsoft Word document - 24kb)
- Complete the form
- Send the completed form to us at the address below by 3 September 2013:
Interim Guidelines on Prosecuting Cases of Child Sexual Abuse Team
Strategy and Policy Directorate
Crown Prosecution Service Headquarters – 9th Floor
Rose Court
Southwark Bridge
London
SE1 9HS
If you have any questions, or would like any support to respond to the CPS, please contact us.
‹ Advice needed – should he be upset with with me? #SVMyths and sexual abuse (Graphic Content) ›
Comments are currently closed.
This is the converted CPS response pro-forma, so you can copy & paste into whichever document viewer you use (we loaded it into Google Docs with no problems)
***************************************************************************
Response Pro Forma
When responding it would helpful if you would complete this pro forma. Please fill out your name and address or that of your organisation if relevant. You may withhold these details if you wish but we will be unable to include you in future consultation exercises.
Response Sheet
Contact details:
Please supply details of who has completed this response.
Response completed by (name):
Position in organisation (if appropriate):
Name of organisation (if appropriate):
Address:
Contact phone number:
Contact e-mail address:
Date:
Please answer the consultation questions in the boxes below.
1. Do you agree with the new approach of the CPS to cases involving child sexual abuse?
2. Is it right that we should focus on the overall credibility of the allegation rather than the victim?
3. While the list of criteria for the suspects is non-exhaustive, have we got the factors right? (See paragraph 63)
4. Would it be helpful to have an Annex setting out ‘myths and stereotypes’ surrounding this type of offending? If so, please provide details of ‘myths and stereotypes’ that would be useful in the circumstances.