Although generally accepted as being among the most traumatic crimes for its victims, sexual offences are among the most under-reported. The prospect of a long, harrowing and adversarial trial process deter many victims from pressing their case.

In 2001, the Commission was asked to consider whether the criminal justice system was sufficiently responsive to the needs of complainants in sexual offence cases and to recommend changes if necessary. The review aimed to encouraged more victims to report offences to police and see the case through to trial.

This final report contains 202 recommendations on all aspects of the criminal justice process. The recommendations in the Report are based on research on how current laws and procedures are working and on extensive consultation with complainants, organisations which provide counselling and support to victims of sexual offences, police, prosecution and defence lawyers, judges, magistrates and many others. Our recommendations are intended to make the criminal justice system more responsive to complainants in sexual offences cases, whilst at the same time ensuring a fair trial for those accused of these offences.