Make the use of "rape myths" in sexual assault court cases illegal.

Rejected 12 signatures

What the petition asks

Ensure rape myths can't be used as facts in sexual assault court cases. They unfairly influence juries and prevent fair trials. Rape myths are stereotyped false beliefs about sexual assault, rapists, and rape victims. They excuse sexual aggression, blame victims, and bias criminal prosecutions.

Rape convictions are at a record low in England and Wales. Convictions have halved in the last 3 years but the number of reported rapes has sharply increased. A contributing factor to the drop in convictions is the use of rape myths in court cases. Survivors are blamed for their assault based on their clothing, use of alcohol, mental health issues, & much more. Making rape myths illegal in court prevents prejudiced bias and facilitates fair trials.

Why it was rejected

It was not clear what the petition asked the UK Government or Parliament to do.

The Code for Crown Prosecutors already makes it clear that 'rape myths' must not be used in court:

https://www.cps.gov.uk/legal-guidance/rape-and-sexual-offences-chapter-21-societal-myths

You could start a petition calling for people serving on jury panels to receive compulsory training on rape myths, if that's something you'd like to see happen.

Timeline

15 Aug 2020	Petition opened for signatures
25 Sep 2020	Rejected by the Petitions Committee

Key facts

Signatures 12

Status Rejected

Rejected 25 Sep 2020

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