Free legal advice service for sexual violence complainants to be rolled out nationally

Independent legal advice for alleged victims of sexual violence will be rolled out across the country, after an evaluation of a pilot found ‘legal support helped counteract the disempowerment that complainants often experienced within the criminal justice process’.

The pilot, led by mayor of London Sadiq Khan, was available to London residents aged over 16 who had reported sexual violence to the police. It covered police and/or CPS requests to access the complainants’ ‘sensitive’ personal data; the Victims’ Right to Review scheme; complaints about the police and/or CPS; criminal injuries compensation (though advice was limited to eligibility and time limits); and advice on other legal issues relating to complainants’ rights and interests.

Demand was high, according to an evaluation of the scheme by Dr Olivia Smith, reader in criminology and social policy at Loughborough University. Some 247 complainants were supported on 297 matters. The service ‘sometimes had to close to most referrals because demand exceeded capacity’, her report noted.

The pilot was funded by the Mayor’s Office for Policing and Crime, and delivered by Women & Girls Network (WGN), with legal supervision from the Centre for Women’s Justice. Legal advice was provided by solicitors employed by WGN who were recruited, legally trained, and legally supervised by the centre. WGN also provided training on sexual violence, trauma, and safeguarding.

The pilot, which has now been extended to December 2026, began taking referrals in May 2024. Smith’s report evaluated the first two years of its operation.

The evaluation found the most common type of legal support needed was general advice about criminal justice matters (37%) followed by Victims’ Right to Review (33%). Making complaints about the police, CPS, or trial counsel accounted for 12% of legal support sought through the pilot. That was followed by third-party material requests (9%), Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority applications (6%) and digital device issues (3%).

The evaluation said the pilot ‘substantially improved’ complainants’ experiences of the criminal justice process, adding: ‘Clients described feeling heard, validated, and better able to understand what was happening in their case. The legal advice helped complainants distinguish between what was lawful and what could be challenged, allowing them to make informed decisions and focus their energy on what mattered most.

‘Complainants felt listened to, treated with dignity, and able to participate meaningfully.

‘These findings suggest that legal support helped counteract the disempowerment that complainants often experienced within the criminal justice process. By explaining rights, clarifying options, and advocating for clients, the service enabled complainants to feel more informed, more confident, and more recognised as active participants in the process.’

Smith said: ‘The evaluation shows just how powerful free and independent legal advice can be for sexual violence complainants. The pilot gave clients a genuine sense of justice. In many cases the advice confirmed that police and prosecutors were acting appropriately, but where decisions were challenged there were tangible outcomes, from overly broad evidence requests being withdrawn to cases being reopened and suspects charged.’

Khan said: ‘Our service has provided hundreds of vulnerable victims the vital legal support they need on their way to getting the justice they deserve. 

‘Having led the way with this free, independent service in London, I’m delighted that the government will use our service model to roll out a nationwide legal advice service so that victims and survivors of sexual violence across the UK receive the legal support they need. I will continue to work with the Met and London’s victims to continue building a safer London for everyone.’

London’s Victims Commissioner, Andrea Simon, said: ‘This pilot filled a long-standing gap in support for victims in London navigating a lengthy and often overwhelming criminal justice process. For many, that process can feel isolating and impossible to navigate alone and having someone to turn to for advice is vital.

‘I am so pleased that through this pilot victims have received the legal support they need, and that the national roll out will mean consistency in the service available to all victims of rape and serious sexual offences across the country.’

How much it will cost to roll out the scheme nationwide has yet to be disclosed.