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Emotional abuse
UK News

Christian rape survivor: Give jury more guidance

Jill Saward was attacked in 1986 at Ealing Vicarage and since then has spent her life campaigning for better rights for victims.

She's now started a petition urging the government to change the law so a judge can outline that rape can happen to anyone and be committed by anyone.

Speaking to Premier she said this should happen before a trial actually begins so the jury is able to make an 'informed decision'.

"Many people believe that they actually understand what rape is but a lot of that understanding comes from assumptions," she said.

The petition, to the Justice Secretary, says: "Several recent high profile cases have evidenced how the general public has fixed preconceived ideas of what constitutes rape, a victim and a perpetrator of sexual violence.

"Given that juries are constituted of members of the public, these views are highly prejudicial.

"In this light, it is crucial, therefore, that juries are better informed about the myths, stereotypes and realities of sexual violence, in the form of a generic briefing before a trial commences."

Jill told Premier it was vital that members of the jury did not have a preconceived idea about what a perpetrator of rape would be like.

She said her proposal would solve that: "Challenge the myths to begin with so you can go in with an open mind.

"So we think that, yes, this is achievable, this is possible and this will make a difference to people."

You can find the petition here.

 
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