Sexual Assault Victims Do Not Have a Voice in Court

The notion of having a voice, or the ability to tell one's story is the most frequently mentioned justice interest of victims. Yet it is almost impossible to facilitate in a criminal legal process. Sexual assault complainants very rarely have legal representation in court and are able to speak only to the questions they are asked. The closest to a voice a survivor gets in court is a victim impact statement, which is granted only to those who receive a conviction.