Concerns Raised Over MPs' Questioning of Sexual Violence Victims

The victims’ commissioner, Claire Waxman, has lodged a formal complaint with the chair of the public bill committee regarding a recent evidence session on the courts and tribunals bill, which proposed significant changes to jury trials. Waxman expressed her inability to "in good conscience" encourage victim-survivors to participate in sessions that could lead to retraumatization or emotional harm. The complaint, communicated through the office chief executive Susannah Hancock, criticized committee chair John Hayes for allowing the tone of questioning to escalate into what was described as "unnecessarily adversarial."

The Guardian

During the evidence session, several victim-survivors voiced their distress over the questioning style. Morwenna Loughman reported feeling "shocked, upset and extremely distressed," stating that the aggressive questioning contributed to her emotional breakdown. Another survivor, Jade Blue McCrossen-Nethercott, remarked that the session was "difficult to watch," noting that the line between scrutiny and cross-examination was often blurred. Charlotte Meijer echoed these sentiments, stating that the questioning made her feel as if she were back in court, raising concerns about her own upcoming testimony.

The Guardian

In response to the complaints, deputy speaker Nusrat Ghani emphasized the importance of MPs having the freedom to question witnesses robustly, particularly when holding public officials accountable. Ghani defended the committee's approach, asserting that the tone adopted was appropriate and recognized the courage of the witnesses. However, organizations such as Rape Crisis and Women’s Aid criticized the session's adversarial nature, arguing that it mirrored the distressing dynamics often experienced by survivors of sexual violence.

The Guardian

Farah Nazeer, chief executive of Women’s Aid, expressed disappointment and anger on behalf of the survivors, stating that while rigorous questioning is necessary, the approach taken felt more like cross-examination and lacked the care that victims deserve. Waxman reiterated the need for Parliament to be a "safe and supportive place" for victims, advocating for better support and recognition of their experiences.

The Guardian

The incident has sparked a debate over the appropriateness of questioning styles in parliamentary proceedings. While some, including Ghani, argue for the necessity of robust questioning, critics contend that the emotional well-being of victim-survivors should take precedence. The tension between accountability and sensitivity remains a focal point in discussions surrounding the treatment of victims in such settings.

The Guardian

• “As a victim-survivor I immediately felt threatened and attacked, thrust back into fight or flight.” — Morwenna Loughman, Victim-Survivor

The Guardian

• “the questioning felt closer to cross-examination” — Farah Nazeer, Chief Executive of Women’s Aid

The Guardian

• “Having followed parliament’s own processes and seen the concerns raised dismissed, I believe more needs to be done to ensure victims are properly supported, heard and valued,” — Claire Waxman, Victims’ Commissioner

The Guardian