| answer text |
<p>The Government’s first ever cross-government Victims Strategy outlines our commitments
to victims of crime.</p><p> </p><p>The Crown Prosecution Service is responsible for
the prosecution of criminal cases. Victims of crime are not separately represented
in criminal trials.</p><p> </p><p>Victims of historic sexual abuse have access to
an independent sexual violence adviser (ISVA). The ISVA’s role is to ensure the victim
receives the right support before, during and after legal proceedings. As part of
proceedings, a victim may be called to give evidence as a witness for the prosecution.
ISVAs will work alongside the Court-Based Witness Service to support the victim to
give their best evidence and participate in the court process.</p><p> </p><p>In April
this year, the Ministry of Justice awarded £8m in funding to rape support centres
to provide emotional and practical support to victims of sexual violence and historic
sexual abuse, including the provision of ISVA services. We also provided a grant of
£11.2m to Citizens Advice for the delivery of the Court-Based Witness Service.</p>
|
|
