Navigating the Justice System: A Rape Survivor’s Story
What happens when a notoriously hard to prove crime, meets a failing criminal justice system and a society still mired in misogyny? This Cable investigation, originally published in August 2023, led us down a road exploring this exact question, revealing the full, complex story of how the Bristol police force deals with sexual violence.
In April 2023, a mother contacted the Cable about her daughter’s upcoming rape case. Our reporter, Priyanka Raval, then investigated what it takes to prosecute a rapist – from attending the trial in Crown Court, to interviewing the key players behind Operation Bluestone, a groundbreaking new initiative designed to improve the criminal justice system and ensure better outcomes for victims.
The national picture is this. Thanks to MeToo and growing awareness around consent and ‘rape culture’, the numbers of women reporting rape is on the rise. But charging rates and prosecutions are at the lowest levels since records began. In 2020, a joint report by women’s charities stated that outcomes for victims were so poor, rape was effectively being “decriminalised.”
In response to more survivors coming forward but conviction rates remaining incredibly low, a new approach has been devised to turn the tide.
Part one follows the story of one survivor whose rapist stood trial two years after she reported the incident to the police, showing the ordeal of going through the entire legal process as a survivor, and how much of a struggle it can be to prosecute a rapist for their crimes.
Part two reveals a wider story: how Avon and Somerset Police has piloted a new ‘whole story approach’ to investigating and prosecuting sexual violence called Operation Bluestone that is now being expanded to police forces across the country.
Investigative journalism strengthens democracy – it’s a necessity, not a luxury. The Cable is Bristol’s independent, investigative newsroom. Owned and steered by more than 2,600 members, we produce award-winning journalism that digs deep into what’s happening in Bristol. We are on a mission to become sustainable – will you help us get there?
Join now to support independent journalism in Bristol and discover more stories like this one.
The article highlights the importance of investigative journalism in shedding light on crucial issues such as the challenges faced by survivors of sexual violence within the criminal justice system. It showcases the efforts of Operation Bluestone in improving outcomes for victims and the innovative approaches being taken by law enforcement agencies to address the low prosecution rates for rape cases.
The story of the rape survivor and her journey through the legal process serves as a powerful reminder of the hurdles faced by victims in seeking justice. It underscores the need for continued awareness and advocacy to support survivors and hold perpetrators accountable for their actions.
Overall, the article provides a comprehensive overview of the complexities surrounding sexual violence cases and the ongoing efforts to reform the criminal justice system to better serve survivors. It serves as a call to action for readers to support independent journalism and contribute to the discussions around improving outcomes for victims of sexual violence.
