In the media: “Law and order” does not always lead to justice.
Policy often divert attention from the real obstacles of justice which victims face. Such policies provide a smokescreen for the sexism, racism, class and other forms of discrimination. Read the article in New Law Journal in full below.
Stop the Crime Bill
Crime (Sentences) Bill 1997 – the implications for women. A Crime Bill is part of a law and order agenda which invokes victims rights and undermines civil rights. Alongside Legal Action for Women, we submitted a briefing to the House of Lords opposing to the Bill and highlighting the implications for female victims of rape.
Briefing: Crime (Sentences) Bill 1997 on its implications for Women
Briefing by Women Against Rape and Legal Action for Women in the House of Lords. We argue that the Crime Bill is part of a law and order agenda which invoices victims’ rights and undermines civil rights.
Home office accepts rape ordeal as grounds for asylum
A Kurdish women raped by Turkish police has been given UK asylum. As reported in the Hampstead and Highgate Express in June 1996, the overturning of the Home Office’s original ruling was an important moment in legal history.
In the media: The Guilty Victim, Rape and the CPS
Two prostitute women set legal precedent by bringing and winning prosecution for rape. As reported in the Socialist Lawyer in 1995, after the CPS originally dropped the case, Christopher Davies was finally found guilty of raping and assaulting the two women.
In the media: Who counts and who pays?
Government attempts to cut compensation to victims of violence. As reported in the New Law Journal, the new system of fixed tariffs for specific injuries cuts victims’ money by £250million a year.
In the media: Private case brings rapist to justice
Prostitutes succeed with prosecution after CPS refuses to pursue attacker for lack of evidence. As reported in the Guardian, two sex workers made legal history with the first private prosecution for rape in an English court. Read the full article here below.
Press release: In defending Sammy Davis, women defend themselves against rape
This victory makes legal history. However, it is now urgent that the Home Secretary allows Mr Davis to return back to the UK.
Cracker programme (TV) – protest racism
A Danger to Women. Granada television’s episodes of Cracker promotes the classic racist stereotype of Black rapist and white victim.
In the media: TV rape slur angers black viewers
As reported in The Weekly Journal, drama production Cracker is under attack from a Black Women’s group for its portrayal of Black men as rapists. Women Against Rape demand that the remaining two programmes are withdrawn and not televised.
