Abuse victims say transcript scheme 'hidden' from them

Many unaware of pilot giving free access to judges’ remarks

- ATHENA STAVROU

Sexual abuse victims believe they could have been saved from months of suffering after they claimed a government scheme to allow them access to free court transcripts was "hidden" from them for months.

Following months of campaigning, a 12-month pilot scheme opened in May to allow “thousands” of sexual violence and rape victims to obtain usually expensive transcripts of judges remarks free of charge. However, campaigners and those eligible for the scheme say they were left in the dark about it opening until just weeks ago, leaving many without vital closure for months.

One of those eligible for the scheme, who spoke under the name Jane, said she had “no idea” the scheme had opened until she was notified via campaigners on social media in September. She shared concerns that she may have never known she could obtain the transcript – which she believes “will get her through the darkest days” – as the government was not vocal about the scheme.

“I do feel like I’ve lost time and really if I’d have had these sentencing remarks six months ago it would have been massive for me,” she told The Independent. “Twitter [now called X] shouldn’t have been the way that I found this out. I’ve had some very dark days and this transcript will go a long way in helping me get through them.”