100 signatures reached
To: Government
Campaign to reduce waiting times for sexual assault cases
Currently victims of sexual assault have to not only deal with the aftermath of their assault, but also having their trial cancelled and moved several times. This obviously adds to the stress that they are already under. I have had my trial date moved 3 times. The next date I have been given is November 2018. This will be nearly 2 years after the offence took place. 2 years with it hanging over me. 2 years of added anxiety and stress. There needs to be more judges that can oversee sexual assault cases and a better way of listing these trials so that victims don't get worked up about going to court only to have it not happen. The time between the offence taking place and the trial is far too long and damaging to people who are already going through turmoil.
Why is this important?
Victims of assault have suffered enough without the court system adding to the stress.