Amanda Against Abuse

After years of advocating for myself in the justice system, I've realised how many of the same challenges exist in women's healthcare. Being heard shouldn't depend on how hard you can fight.

A rape case was dropped 13 days before trial. Years later, an independent review found it should have gone ahead. But by then, it was too late. Here's why that matters. A woman reported a rape. Three and a half years later, she was preparing for trial. Then the CPS dropped the case. The reason? A sexsomnia defence. The case would never be heard by a jury. Most people thought that was the end. It wasn't. She requested a Victim's Right to Review. An independent Chief Crown Prosecutor reviewed the decision. The conclusion was extraordinary. The case should never have been dropped. In fact, the review found it was more likely than not that a jury would have convicted. But there was a devastating problem. The CPS had already offered no evidence in court. Double jeopardy meant the case could never be reopened. The decision was found to be wrong. The outcome could not be changed. So she sued the CPS. The CPS apologised. They paid damages. They changed policy. And today, there is a pilot scheme that gives victims an option for a review before rape cases are dropped. That woman was me. My case can't be put back before a jury. But others shouldn't have to hear that a case should have gone to trial only after it's too late to do anything about it. That's why I'm campaigning for victims to have a review before cases are dropped. And for the current pilot to become permanent. Not after. When it's too late. #RightToBeReviewed #VictimsRights #JusticeMatters