Question to the Ministry of Justice:
To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, whether there are any legal restrictions or Government guidance preventing victims of sexual abuse from accessing therapy prior to their trial taking place.
Victims of crime have a right to be referred to support services and have services and support tailored to their needs. There are no rules that restrict access to therapy in advance of criminal proceedings.
The CPS published guidance on the provision of therapy for vulnerable or intimidated adult witnesses in 2002. The CPS is currently developing revised guidance. A three-month public consultation has taken place on a draft version of this guidance and new finalised guidance is due to be published later this year.