Rape victims asked to pay thousands for transcripts of their own trials

Rape and sexual abuse survivors are being asked to pay thousands of pounds for transcripts of their own court cases.

Campaigners fear survivors are being prevented from recovering by the steep charges, an average of £4,000, to get transcripts of the trials they were involved in.

A not-proven verdict for an alleged attacker can be especially difficult for victims and access to court proceedings can help women understand what happened, according to Rape Crisis Scotland.

Sandy Brindley, chief executive of Rape Crisis Scotland, said: “Coming to terms with an acquittal in a rape trial – particularly a not-proven verdict – can be extremely difficult for women we are in contact with.

“Women have told us it would make a real difference to have access to the transcripts of their trial, to help them understand what happened. Currently, rape complainers would need to pay thousands of pounds to get a copy of their transcript, which means it’s not an option for many women.”

A cross-party group of politicians raised the issue in a recent report but noted moves to help victims get free access to court transcripts in Scotland had failed. The criminal justice committee report says: “The Lord President responded that charges and exemptions are a matter for the Scottish ministers and fees are not set by him or the Scottish Courts and Tribunal Service.”

Brindley added: “It’s now for the Scottish Government to take action.”

Kate Wallace, chief executive of Victim Support Scotland, said: “We encourage ministers to address this issue quickly to ensure victims can receive the information they should be entitled to.”

Jamie Greene, Scottish Conservative Shadow Justice Secretary, said: “Putting such vital services behind a £100-an-hour fee is a shocking injustice to victims.”

Scottish Lib Dem deputy leader Wendy Chamberlain MP said: “Scottish Liberal Democrats wholeheartedly endorse better management of sexual crime. This includes carefully reviewing individual cases to decide whether exceptions to court transcript fees should apply.”

The Scottish Government said: “We are committed to working with justice agencies in improving victims’ experiences wherever possible.

“This includes consideration with Scottish Courts and Tribunals Service of the question of charges for transcripts to victims of rape and other sexual offences. This is an area which is part of our commitment towards providing a trauma-informed and person-centred justice system for victims of these crimes.”