A law change is being proposed to ease the distress caused to rape victims while police carry out their investigations. Officers will only be allowed to request personal records from rape victims when strictly necessary in future, the Justice Secretary has told MPs.
Alex Chalk says that under the new law, officers would no longer be allowed to make routine requests for such records, which can make victims them feel as if they are facing interrogation. It's one of a number of changes being proposed by the Government as part of its Victims and Prisoners Bill.
The Bill would also give the Justice Secretary powers to block the release of the most dangerous prisoners, and introduce a new independent public advocate (IPA) to represent the families and victims of disasters involving public authorities, such as the Grenfell Tower fire or Hillsborough disaster. It's hoped the Bill will strengthen support for victims during their involvement with the justice system.
