To make provision for the circumstances in which the sexual history of a victim of rape or attempted rape may be introduced at a trial; to prohibit in certain circumstances the disclosure by the police of a victim’s identity to an alleged perpetrator of a serious sexual crime; to extend the range of serious offences which may be referred to the Court of Appeal on the grounds of undue leniency of the sentence; to amend the requirements for ground rules hearings; to make provision for the issuing in certain circumstances of guidance on safeguarding to schools; to make provision for training about serious sexual offences; to place a duty on the Secretary of State to provide guidelines for the courts in dealing with cases of serious sexual offences; to require the Secretary of State to report annually on the operation of the Act; and for connected purposes.
House of Commons
Liz Saville RobertsPlaid Cymru
28 April 2017
May contain errors — check source documents for definitive information.
The bill makes several changes to how sexual offences are handled in court and how victims are treated. It would limit when a victim’s sexual history can be raised in rape or attempted rape trials, protect victims’ identities from the alleged perpetrators in certain cases, widen the offences that can be appealed for undue leniency, and introduce safeguarding guidance and training for schools and professionals. It also requires the government to publish court guidance and annual reports on the Act’s operation, among other provisions.
The bill is currently at the 2nd reading in the House of Commons. It originated in the Commons and is sponsored by Liz Saville Roberts; if it progresses, it would move to committee stage and then onward to the Lords for consideration.
Generated 21 February 2026
8 Feb 2017
This Bill was expected to have its second reading debate on Friday 12 May 2017.
However, as a General Election has now been called and Parliament will be dissolved from 3 May 2017, the Bill falls and no further action will be taken.
No recorded votes for this bill yet.
