## **Trustees’ Annual Report for the period** **From Period start date: 31/05/2023 Period start date To: 30/01/2024** ## **Charity name: JusticeIsNow** ## **Charity registration number: 1194627** JusticeIsNow Finances _: The financial year is 9 months for this. To align with new project cycle and recruitment/oncosts for 2024-2025._ Next accounts for 20242025 will be back to 12-month financial year end : March 2024 to March 2025. ## **1. Objectives and Activities** Our charity is committed to improving the quality of life for victims of sexual violence. ## **Our Mission** Our charity is dedicated to addressing the complex challenges faced by complainants of sexual violence, both in the courtroom and beyond. We are committed to equipping future criminal barristers and other legal professionals with the knowledge and skills needed to understand the damaging effects of myths and stereotypes, as well as the profound trauma, PTSD, and harm experienced by complainants. We adopt a progressive approach to tackling the unique challenges that individuals and communities face as a result of sexual violence—challenges that affect mental and physical health, family dynamics, and intersecting social issues. Our ambitious plans for the future include conducting our own research into the impact of rape myth bias within the courtroom, both in the UK and other international jurisdictions. We are profoundly grateful to our past, present, and future funders, donors, trustees, and volunteers. Your unwavering commitment to recognising the journeys of sexual violence victims and survivors, and your dedication to amplifying their voices, form the foundation of our mission. ## **Achieved Outcomes:** - Developed collaborative relationships with judicial institutions to support efforts aimed at reducing the incidence of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) among complainants. This has involved conducting research, creating educational programmes and resources, and beginning to monitor the prevalence of rape myths and stereotypes within the justice system. - Strengthened advocacy for victims navigating the justice system by providing both practical and emotional support during the critical threemonth period following court proceedings. We have introduced feedback mechanisms that seek to amplify complainants' experiences, ensuring their voices are considered by key stakeholders. - Educating on Offending Behaviors (part of our Moodle course and Podcast _**)**_ A key part of our mission is to educate the public and professionals on understanding offending behaviors. Shifting the focus to perpetrators' tactics rather than victims’ actions is essential for reducing misconceptions. As Sherry Hamby, editor of _Psychology of Violence_ , aptly stated: _"If you don’t really understand perpetrators, you’re never going to understand sexual violence."_ ## **Strategic Goals 2024/2025:** - **Expand Educational Programs:** - Develop additional modules and training sessions for legal professionals to enhance understanding of sexual violence cases. - **Strengthen Advocacy Efforts:** - Engage in further policy discussions to address systemic issues within the criminal justice system affecting victims of sexual violence. - **Enhance Survivor Support from local peer work.** - **Partnerships:** - Establish collaborations with other organizations to amplify impact and reach. Expanding the focus to include sexual violence that occurs in Domestic Abuse. - **Research and evaluation of all programme themes** . How much our interventions have an impact. ## **Practical application to achieve strategic goals for 2024–2025** : - Expand the court observation programme across England. - Enhance post-complainant experience reporting by strengthening relationships with ISVAs and victim support organisations. - Collect and analyse data to create comprehensive datasets. - Explore opportunities to engage a potential PhD student for research support. - Organise dissemination events to share findings and insights. - Update the Moodle course and publish year-end metrics and findings. - - Build financial reserves and secure additional funding. ## _**The Current Landscape**_ Complainants often waiting up to two years for trials, the risk of traumatization is substantial. In the words of a victim/survivor who gave evidence to the Stern Review concerning rape reporting in England and Wales: _They [juries] … don’t understand how it feels to be raped. They don’t understand that the person raping is trying to abuse the person and that they are rage-full and consumed with hate when they are raping. It is not a loving or lustful thing. They don’t understand that rape is like being murdered but still being alive._ Our research and that of the Victims’ Commissioner and The end to End Rape review, has shown that victims can find courts to be severely retraumatising. This can happen for many reasons: victims feeling bullied by intrusive crossexamination, trials being adjourned several times outside the victim's control, and coming face to face with perpetrators at court. The experience is even more challenging when the right support and facilities are not available in the courtroom. This makes the criminal justice process particularly stressful for victims of rape and increases disengagement. Post Covid pandemic is still having a significant impact on the speed with which cases are heard in court taking over 2 years. Our work also works on increasing perpetrators believing they are not accountable, which makes them vulnerable to repeat offending. Young males for example have often been acquitted, more than those of an older aged. It is cited the jurors don’t like putting a younger person in prison and labelling them as a rapist – even though they may believe they have done it. This approach contributes more harm in allowing for acceptance of behaviours. Most subjects in preparator studies freely acknowledge non-consensual sex — but that does not mean they consider it _real_ rape. Researchers encounter this contradiction again and again. Asked “if they had penetrated against their consent,” the subject will say yes. Asked if he did “something like rape,” the answer is almost always no. Indeed, experts note one last trait shared by men who have raped: they do not believe they are the problem. ## _**Looking Ahead: A Commitment to Change**_ The forthcoming release of the Law Commission’s _Evidence in Sexual Offence Prosecutions_ report is anticipated to be pivotal. However, meaningful and sustained implementation of the proposed changes will be essential. Through our work, particularly under Pillar 3, we strive to: - Empower complainants by amplifying their experiences. - Share insights gained to drive systemic improvements. - Advocate for resolutions that prioritise complainants' needs while ensuring justice for all. ## **2. Achievements and Performance 2023-2024** - **Survivor Engagement:** - Launched successful social media campaigns that increased public awareness and engagement on issues of sexual violence. - Provided platforms for survivors to share their stories, fostering a supportive community and influencing public perception. - One critical area of focus for our charity is providing support to complainants after the conclusion of court proceedings. We identified a significant gap in provision for post-trial support, which often leads to adverse mental health outcomes for complainants and their families. Through our advocacy service pilot to offered immediate support and guidance from trained peer advocates, to address this gap and mitigate the risk of further harm, including revictimization. By offering support at this crucial juncture, we believe we can significantly improve outcomes for survivors and their families, while also informing future improvements to the justice process. Please see evaluation metrics from the pilot on page 8/9. ## **Metrics:** - Court Observation pilot model and course learning used for the design of the online Moodle** course. N.B Moodle is the learning platform used by University’s. - Court observation numbers following on from our 2022-2023, 2023 to 2024 allowed a further 300 students to be course observers. - Number of educational modules developed, and participants engaged includes 1 module “Preparing for a career with Criminal Barristers” with 14 chapters. A lead curriculum at a top institution for Bar Practice course. _“We have now had an opportunity to review the content of the Moodle Course. It is excellent and you can really see the time, effort and thought that has gone into it and the impact it could have on student barristers’ awareness of the issues raised in sexual offences cases. We have spent some time considering where the module may work best for our students. We feel that the module will fit nicely within our Social Impact and Careers offering. This will allow those of our students who are interested in becoming barristers at the criminal bar to access the material to raise their awareness of the issues covered in the module”._ ## **Process improvements post pilots** Invested in Power Direct 365/JotForm/Accountancy software ## **Forms developed:** ##  **Referral Form for Post-Court Support / Court Experience Feedback:** 1. This form allows individuals to self-refer or be referred by someone else (e.g., ISVA, victim support worker). 2. The purpose is to document their court experience, which can be shared with others for peer support. - **Court Observation Submission Form:** 1. University students need to be able to submit their court observations via an online form. They will need to type up their written answers – as in the courts they are only allowed to use a pen! This means manual typing after; 2. The form includes standard observation questions and a section to log the names of prosecuting and defence barristers. This information is essential for tracking and linking observations to specific cases. ## **Moodle Course Sign-Up Form:** - This form allows CPD participants, solicitors, practising barristers, students, those in pupillage, RASSO (Rape and Serious Sexual Offences) specialists, criminologists, criminal psychologists, and police officers to sign up for courses. ## **University Sign-Up Form:** - This form enables universities to register for the Court Observations Programme and Moodle courses. ## **Podcast additions:** Our Podcast consisted of episodes which have included: 1. Denial of sexual violence globally particularly after the 11[th] of September attacks. 2. Responding to popular culture and narratives on sexual violence. **Netflix** _**Baby Reindeer**_ launched the conversation of male rape survivors and the reactions of how rape affects individuals in future behaviour. 3. Italian legal system and victim blaming 4. Independent Sexual Violence Advisors discussing the changes within the court room. Victim/Survivors experiences and suggestions for change. ## **3. Financial Review** ## **Income and Expenditure:** Total Income: _£75,800_ Total Expenditure: _£56,582_ Staff/Volunteers/Peer support workers. Full costings on accounts. ## **Fundraising: Fundraising Strategy:** We are actively exploring strategies to develop and implement a sustainable fundraising plan to attract support from a wider audience. - **In the past 9 month, we have built our reserves.** To increase this we are in the process of applying for a savings account from the Charity Aids Foundation bank and looking into options from Newton Growth and Income Fund. - Plans include increase our income by £59, 484. This include securing 5 new locality funders (Court Observers localities) securing at least 2 national multiyear funding grants. ## **4. Structure, Governance, and Management** . ## **Trustee Board:** The trustee board is responsible for the overall governance and strategic direction of the charity. Trustees are appointed in accordance with the procedures set out in the governing document. Our new Trustee this year is Lily Muyang– Lily brings experience from Sudan and working with survivors of sexual violence. We have 2 new advisory board members and have been highly appreciate if Barrister who worked on our Moodle course. That includes Gareth Roberts, from Exchange Chambers and Anthony Metzer (QC) from Goldsmith Chambers. ## **Organisational structure** Your management structure can be explained as follows, detailing the key roles and their responsibilities within the organisation: We are now a CPD member and courses are to be accredited. |**JusticeIsNow**|**Key Responsibilities**| |---|---| |**Director**|- Provides overall strategic leadership and
vision.
- Responsible for high-level decision-making.
- Oversees fnancial management and
governance.
- Reports to the Board of Trustees.| |**Programme Manager**|- Leads planning, implementation, and
evaluation of programmes.
- Aligns programmes with organisational goals.
- Manages operations and communication.
- Assists the Director with tasks.| |**Co-Founder (Bid Writer &**
**Volunteer)**|- Writes bids and grant applications to secure
funding.
- Volunteers across regions, ofering hands-on
support.
- Provides strategic input based on experience.| |**Local Peer Support Workers**|- Provide direct support to service users.
- Act as a link between the organisation and
benefciaries.
- Ofer emotional andpractical support.| |**Court Observers**|- Monitor legal proceedings for transparency.
- Collect data to inform advocacy.
- Provide evidence-based recommendations.| |**Trustees/Chair of Trustees**|- Providegovernance,oversight,and strategic| |**JusticeIsNow**|**Key Responsibilities**| |---|---| ||direction.
- Ensure legal compliance and best practices.
- Chair acts as liaison with the Director.| |**External Advisory Board**|- Ofer independent advice and
recommendations.
- Support long-term strategy and networking.
- Enhance credibilityandpartnerships.| This structure ensures a balance of strategic oversight, operational management, and grassroots engagement, enabling the charity to fulfil its mission effectively. ## **Safeguarding:** JusticeIsNow is committed to safeguarding the well-being of all individuals involved in our activities. We have implemented a comprehensive safeguarding policy, which is regularly reviewed and updated. ## **Optional support project:** The pilot project supported 24 individuals. Impact was assessed by way of standard mental health measurements and qualitative data. When speaking to victims of sexual violence, we were frequently told the period after the court case is a tough part of the judicial process. They are left feeling abandoned by the system, emotionally vulnerable as they attempt to come to terms with the verdict and left to deal with difficult emotions following a verdict. Victims repeatedly told us that their mental health deteriorated significantly at this time. Many victims told us that upon the conclusion of legal proceedings their mental health deteriorated to such an extent they were unable to function and undertake basic tasks. Many suffered financially as they were unable to work. Even tasks that seemed simple – for example, getting out of bed, taking a shower or leaving the house – felt almost impossible. Victims told us that they found it incredibly difficult to function during the months after the trial, with suicidal thoughts a common theme. They felt lost, confused and let down by the system. More than one victim told us they were so traumatised by the experience of giving evidence they lost their business due to an inability to work. This is where the idea for the advocacy model came from; _how could we offer support at this time during the period they have no ISVA and have not yet started counselling_ ? Research by the Ministry of Justice states sexual violence has a devastating impact on victims' lives, including long-term physical, psychological, and social effects. These include anxiety, depression and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). There are secondary impacts including relationship difficulties and reduction in ability to work. The impact of sexual violence also extends to nonperpetrator partners, children, family and friends. These individuals can experience secondary effects of trauma. Victims of sexual violence may face barriers in accessing support at individual, cultural and societal levels, and in relation to how a service is designed and delivered. (Hollomotz et al., 2023; Silk, 2023; Silk et al., 2023) Mind research suggests 54% of people wait over 3 months and 12% wait over a year for counselling. Beneficiaries of the pilot project: - 98% female, 2% male, - 34% from the LGBTQIA+ community - 26% BME - 44% were victims of domestic abuse - 78% had a mental health condition - - 24% had a disability The advocacy model is designed to encourage independence as the beneficiary’s confidence grows. (Loss of confidence was one of the most common experiences that victims reported.) Tasks our volunteer advocates undertook included: - Scheduling and accompanying their client to appointments - Assisting with PIP/ESA applications - Referral to and following up with counselling agencies and other support services for appointments. - Speaking to GPs, employers, and other relevant parties on behalf of their client - Offering emotional support through regular check-ins and providing a listening ear - Signposting to relevant support agencies - Hosting informal group sessions to facilitate survivors creating their own peer support systems Qualitative and quantitative analysis showed the pilot scheme made a positive impact on beneficiaries' lives, both in the critical phase post-trial and in the longer term (6m follow up). Average scores can be seen in the table below: ||On Referral|On Discharge|6m Follow Up|Improvement| |---|---|---|---|---| |GAD|16|8|7|43.75%| |PHQ|15|10|8|53.33%| Qualitative data took the form of questionnaires, with some of the comments shown below: ||On Referral|On Discharge| |---|---|---| |Client A (female, 27)|I still can’t believe he
was found not guilty. It
feels like my life is over.
All that for nothing, what
was the point? I’ve
literally cried every day
since the verdict.|I can’t believe what a
diference it has made,
just knowing someone is
there to support me, to
listen. Our calls meant so
much to me and I can’t
thank [advocate]
enough.| |Client B (female, 40)|My emotions have been
all over the place, I am
struggling to do the most
basic things. I feel
terrifed all the time.|I feel so much more
positive about my future.
I feel more able to look
after myself and my
confdence is growing
every day.| |Client C (female, 19)|I feel so sad and alone.|I never thought I would| ||People don’t understand.
I can’t talk to my mum
as she gets upset and I
feel like no one is there
for me now I don’t have
[ISVA] to talk to.|be able to carry on at
uni. My advocate was so
helpful, talking to my
personal tutor and
helping get things set up
for me to come back.| |---|---|---| |Client D (male, 37)|I have noticed the
decline [in mental
health] since it
happened but it has
been much worse since I
gave evidence. The fact
he got of means it was
all for nothing, and now
what? He goes back to
his normal life and I’m
left to pick up the pieces.|It has been so helpful
having [advocate] to talk
to. I felt like she
understood how difcult
it was, and she was so
supportive and
encouraging. It [the
advocacy scheme] has
really made a diference
to how I feel and how
hopeful I am about my
future.| - ●100% of beneficiaries agreed that the advocacy scheme had been helpful - ●89% agreed that their advocate helped them practically as well as emotionally - ●100% agreed that the advocacy scheme played an important part in their recovery - ●72% agreed that the amount of contact they had with their advocate was just right By rolling out the pilot project we aim to support over 100 beneficiaries in the first 12 months. |SIGNED (CHAIR
OF TRUSTEES)
D.Willmo
t|NAME: DOMINIC
WILLMOT|DATE: 29THJanuary 2025|| |---|---|---|---| **Charity Name Justice Is Now** ## **Receipts and payments accounts** ||**For the period**
**from**|**For the period**
**from**|Period start date
31/05/2023|Period start date
31/05/2023|**To**| |---|---|---|---|---|---| ||||||| |**Section A Receipts and payments**|||||| |**A1 Receipts**|**Unrestricted**
**funds**
**to the nearest**
**£**||**Restricted**
**funds**
**to the nearest £**||**Endowment**
**funds**
**to the nearest £**| |Sebba Foundation|**17 000**||**-**||**-**| |Essex Community Foundation|||**4000**||**-**| |Private Trusts non disclosure total:|**26000**||**-**||**-**| |Local councilor pots total:|||**5000**||**-**| |Individual donor private legacy|||**12000**||**-**| |Course donation|||**2500**||**-**| |Community chest, 4 localities|||**9000**||**-**| ||**300**||||| ||||||| ||||||| |**_Sub total_**_(Gross income)_|**75 800**||**32 500**||**-**| ||||||| ||||||| |**A2 Asset and investment sales,**
**(see table).**|**-**
**-**||**-**
**-**
**-**||| ||**-**||**-**||**-**| ||**-**||**-**||**-**| |**_Sub total_**|||**-**||**-**| |**_Total receipts_**
**A3 Payments**|||||| ||||**-**||**-**| ||||||| |App Development IT component|1 260||**-**||**-**| |Barrister lecture to student|500||**-**||**-**| |Health insurance|15||**-**||**-**| |HRMC Paye Tax payment|1 599||**-**||**-**| |Salaries|22 590||**-**||**-**| |Travel student court observers|4 721||**-**||**-**| |Pension auto enrolment employee cost|1 227||**-**||**-**| |Podcast editor|810||**-**||**-**| |CAF Bank fee|120||||| |Projectworkers only- locality supportwork|9000||||| |Podcast Editor|160||||| |JotForm Subscription|120||||| |Volunteer expenses total|4000||||| |Insurance legality/Trustee/employers|1200||||| |Hotdesking|1400||||| |Volunteer recruitment costs (including social media campa|600||||| |DBS Checks enhanced24 - DBS|£1000||||| |Development and delivery oftrainingmaterial for volunteer|s
£220||||| |Marketingmaterialsforpotentialclients|£750||||| |Volunteer insurance|£750||||| |Volunteerexpenses-traveland parking|£500||||| |Monthly supervision forpeersupportvolunteers|£1 250||||| |Room hire|£2 400||||| |Moodle Subscription|£390||||| |---|---|---|---|---|---| ||||||| ||||**-**||**-**| |**_Sub total_**|**56 582**||**-**||| ||||||| |**_Total payments_**|**56 582**||**-**||**-**| ||||||| |**_Net of receipts/(payments)_**|**£19 218**||**-**||**-**| |**A5 Transfers between funds**|**0**||**-**||**-**| |**A6 Cash funds last year end**|**£6 200**||**-**||**-**| |**_Cash funds this year end_**|||**-**||**-**| ||**£25 418**||||| |Moodle Subscription|£390||||| |---|---|---|---|---|---| ||||||| ||||**-**||**-**| |**_Sub total_**|**56 582**||**-**||| |**_Total payments_**|||||| ||**56 582**||**-**||**-**| ||||||| |**_Net of receipts/(payments)_**
**A5 Transfers between funds**
**A6 Cash funds last year end**
**_Cash funds this year end_**|**£19 218**||**-**||**-**| ||**0**||**-**||**-**| ||**£6 200**||**-**||**-**| ||||**-**||**-**| |**Section B Statement of assets and liabilities at the end of the period**|||||| |**Categories**
**B3 Investment assets**
**B2 Other monetary assets**
**B1 Cash funds**|**Details**||||**Unrestricted**
**funds**
**to nearest £**| ||||||| ||||||| ||||||**-**| ||**Details**
**_Total cash funds_**
(agree balances with receipts and payments
account(s))||||**£25 418**| ||||||OK| ||||||**Unrestricted**
**funds**
**to nearest £**| ||||||**-**| ||||||**-**| ||||||**-**| ||||||**-**| ||||||**-**| ||||||**-**| ||**Details**||||**Fund to which**
**asset belongs**| ||||||| ||||||| ||||||| ||||||| ||||||| ||**Details**||||**Fund to which**
**asset belongs**| **B4 Assets retained for the charity’s own use** ## **Details** **Fund to which liability relates** ## **B5 Liabilities** Signed by one or two trustees on behalf of all the trustees Signature Print JOHN L _D.Willmott_ Dr Dominic Wil **CC16a 1194627** Period end date 30/03/2024 **Total funds Last year to the nearest £ to the nearest £** |**17 000**||17 000| |---|---|---| |**4 000**||4 000| |**26000**||9 600| |**5000**||5 670| |**12000**||10 000| |**2500**||3 380| |**9000**||11 500| |**300**||600| |||400| |||850| |**75 800**||**63 000**| |||| |||| |---|---|---| |||**-**| |||**-**| |||| |||**-**| |1 260||1 200| |---|---|---| |500||1 360| |15||900| |1 599||26 000| |22 590||840| |4 721||350| |1 227||7 820| |810||1 000| |120||530| |9000||600| |160||400| |120||-| |4000||| |1200||| |1400||| |600||| |£1000||| |£220||| |£750||| |£750||| |£500||| |£1 250||| |£2 400||| |£390||| |---|---|---| |||| |||**-**| |**56582**||**41000**| |||| |**56582**||**41000**| |||| |||**-**| |**-**||**-**| |||**£6 200**| |||| |||| ||**Restricted**|||**Endowment**| |---|---|---|---|---| ||**funds**|||**funds**| ||**to nearest £**|||**to nearest £**| |||**-**||**-**| |||||**-**| |||**-**||**-**| |||**-**||**-**| |OK||||OK| **Restricted Endowment funds funds to nearest £ to nearest £** |**-**||**-**| |---|---|---| |**-**||**-**| |**-**||**-**| |**-**||**-**| |**-**||**-**| |**-**||**-**| |**Cost (optional)**||**Current value**
**(optional)**| |||| |---|---|---| |**-**||**-**| |**-**||**-**| |**-**||**-**| |**-**||**-**| |**Cost (optional)**||**Current value**
**(optional)**| |**-**||**-**| |---|---|---| |**-**||**-**| |**-**||**-**| |**-**||**-**| |**-**||**-**| |**-**||**-**| |**-**||**-**| **----- Start of picture text -----**
- -
- -
Amount due When due
(optional) (optional)
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Name Date of
approval
LENNON 28/01/2025
lmott 29.01.2025
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## **Trustees’ Annual Report for the period** **From Period start date: 31/05/2023 Period start date To: 30/01/2024** ## **Charity name: JusticeIsNow** ## **Charity registration number: 1194627** JusticeIsNow Finances _: The financial year is 9 months for this. To align with new project cycle and recruitment/oncosts for 2024-2025._ Next accounts for 20242025 will be back to 12-month financial year end : March 2024 to March 2025. ## **1. Objectives and Activities** Our charity is committed to improving the quality of life for victims of sexual violence. ## **Our Mission** Our charity is dedicated to addressing the complex challenges faced by complainants of sexual violence, both in the courtroom and beyond. We are committed to equipping future criminal barristers and other legal professionals with the knowledge and skills needed to understand the damaging effects of myths and stereotypes, as well as the profound trauma, PTSD, and harm experienced by complainants. We adopt a progressive approach to tackling the unique challenges that individuals and communities face as a result of sexual violence—challenges that affect mental and physical health, family dynamics, and intersecting social issues. Our ambitious plans for the future include conducting our own research into the impact of rape myth bias within the courtroom, both in the UK and other international jurisdictions. We are profoundly grateful to our past, present, and future funders, donors, trustees, and volunteers. Your unwavering commitment to recognising the journeys of sexual violence victims and survivors, and your dedication to amplifying their voices, form the foundation of our mission. ## **Achieved Outcomes:** - Developed collaborative relationships with judicial institutions to support efforts aimed at reducing the incidence of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) among complainants. This has involved conducting research, creating educational programmes and resources, and beginning to monitor the prevalence of rape myths and stereotypes within the justice system. - Strengthened advocacy for victims navigating the justice system by providing both practical and emotional support during the critical threemonth period following court proceedings. We have introduced feedback mechanisms that seek to amplify complainants' experiences, ensuring their voices are considered by key stakeholders. - Educating on Offending Behaviors (part of our Moodle course and Podcast _**)**_ A key part of our mission is to educate the public and professionals on understanding offending behaviors. Shifting the focus to perpetrators' tactics rather than victims’ actions is essential for reducing misconceptions. As Sherry Hamby, editor of _Psychology of Violence_ , aptly stated: _"If you don’t really understand perpetrators, you’re never going to understand sexual violence."_ ## **Strategic Goals 2024/2025:** - **Expand Educational Programs:** - Develop additional modules and training sessions for legal professionals to enhance understanding of sexual violence cases. - **Strengthen Advocacy Efforts:** - Engage in further policy discussions to address systemic issues within the criminal justice system affecting victims of sexual violence. - **Enhance Survivor Support from local peer work.** - **Partnerships:** - Establish collaborations with other organizations to amplify impact and reach. Expanding the focus to include sexual violence that occurs in Domestic Abuse. - **Research and evaluation of all programme themes** . How much our interventions have an impact. ## **Practical application to achieve strategic goals for 2024–2025** : - Expand the court observation programme across England. - Enhance post-complainant experience reporting by strengthening relationships with ISVAs and victim support organisations. - Collect and analyse data to create comprehensive datasets. - Explore opportunities to engage a potential PhD student for research support. - Organise dissemination events to share findings and insights. - Update the Moodle course and publish year-end metrics and findings. - - Build financial reserves and secure additional funding. ## _**The Current Landscape**_ Complainants often waiting up to two years for trials, the risk of traumatization is substantial. In the words of a victim/survivor who gave evidence to the Stern Review concerning rape reporting in England and Wales: _They [juries] … don’t understand how it feels to be raped. They don’t understand that the person raping is trying to abuse the person and that they are rage-full and consumed with hate when they are raping. It is not a loving or lustful thing. They don’t understand that rape is like being murdered but still being alive._ Our research and that of the Victims’ Commissioner and The end to End Rape review, has shown that victims can find courts to be severely retraumatising. This can happen for many reasons: victims feeling bullied by intrusive crossexamination, trials being adjourned several times outside the victim's control, and coming face to face with perpetrators at court. The experience is even more challenging when the right support and facilities are not available in the courtroom. This makes the criminal justice process particularly stressful for victims of rape and increases disengagement. Post Covid pandemic is still having a significant impact on the speed with which cases are heard in court taking over 2 years. Our work also works on increasing perpetrators believing they are not accountable, which makes them vulnerable to repeat offending. Young males for example have often been acquitted, more than those of an older aged. It is cited the jurors don’t like putting a younger person in prison and labelling them as a rapist – even though they may believe they have done it. This approach contributes more harm in allowing for acceptance of behaviours. Most subjects in preparator studies freely acknowledge non-consensual sex — but that does not mean they consider it _real_ rape. Researchers encounter this contradiction again and again. Asked “if they had penetrated against their consent,” the subject will say yes. Asked if he did “something like rape,” the answer is almost always no. Indeed, experts note one last trait shared by men who have raped: they do not believe they are the problem. ## _**Looking Ahead: A Commitment to Change**_ The forthcoming release of the Law Commission’s _Evidence in Sexual Offence Prosecutions_ report is anticipated to be pivotal. However, meaningful and sustained implementation of the proposed changes will be essential. Through our work, particularly under Pillar 3, we strive to: - Empower complainants by amplifying their experiences. - Share insights gained to drive systemic improvements. - Advocate for resolutions that prioritise complainants' needs while ensuring justice for all. ## **2. Achievements and Performance 2023-2024** - **Survivor Engagement:** - Launched successful social media campaigns that increased public awareness and engagement on issues of sexual violence. - Provided platforms for survivors to share their stories, fostering a supportive community and influencing public perception. - One critical area of focus for our charity is providing support to complainants after the conclusion of court proceedings. We identified a significant gap in provision for post-trial support, which often leads to adverse mental health outcomes for complainants and their families. Through our advocacy service pilot to offered immediate support and guidance from trained peer advocates, to address this gap and mitigate the risk of further harm, including revictimization. By offering support at this crucial juncture, we believe we can significantly improve outcomes for survivors and their families, while also informing future improvements to the justice process. Please see evaluation metrics from the pilot on page 8/9. ## **Metrics:** - Court Observation pilot model and course learning used for the design of the online Moodle** course. N.B Moodle is the learning platform used by University’s. - Court observation numbers following on from our 2022-2023, 2023 to 2024 allowed a further 300 students to be course observers. - Number of educational modules developed, and participants engaged includes 1 module “Preparing for a career with Criminal Barristers” with 14 chapters. A lead curriculum at a top institution for Bar Practice course. _“We have now had an opportunity to review the content of the Moodle Course. It is excellent and you can really see the time, effort and thought that has gone into it and the impact it could have on student barristers’ awareness of the issues raised in sexual offences cases. We have spent some time considering where the module may work best for our students. We feel that the module will fit nicely within our Social Impact and Careers offering. This will allow those of our students who are interested in becoming barristers at the criminal bar to access the material to raise their awareness of the issues covered in the module”._ ## **Process improvements post pilots** Invested in Power Direct 365/JotForm/Accountancy software ## **Forms developed:** ##  **Referral Form for Post-Court Support / Court Experience Feedback:** 1. This form allows individuals to self-refer or be referred by someone else (e.g., ISVA, victim support worker). 2. The purpose is to document their court experience, which can be shared with others for peer support. - **Court Observation Submission Form:** 1. University students need to be able to submit their court observations via an online form. They will need to type up their written answers – as in the courts they are only allowed to use a pen! This means manual typing after; 2. The form includes standard observation questions and a section to log the names of prosecuting and defence barristers. This information is essential for tracking and linking observations to specific cases. ## **Moodle Course Sign-Up Form:** - This form allows CPD participants, solicitors, practising barristers, students, those in pupillage, RASSO (Rape and Serious Sexual Offences) specialists, criminologists, criminal psychologists, and police officers to sign up for courses. ## **University Sign-Up Form:** - This form enables universities to register for the Court Observations Programme and Moodle courses. ## **Podcast additions:** Our Podcast consisted of episodes which have included: 1. Denial of sexual violence globally particularly after the 11[th] of September attacks. 2. Responding to popular culture and narratives on sexual violence. **Netflix** _**Baby Reindeer**_ launched the conversation of male rape survivors and the reactions of how rape affects individuals in future behaviour. 3. Italian legal system and victim blaming 4. Independent Sexual Violence Advisors discussing the changes within the court room. Victim/Survivors experiences and suggestions for change. ## **3. Financial Review** ## **Income and Expenditure:** Total Income: _£75,800_ Total Expenditure: _£56,582_ Staff/Volunteers/Peer support workers. Full costings on accounts. ## **Fundraising: Fundraising Strategy:** We are actively exploring strategies to develop and implement a sustainable fundraising plan to attract support from a wider audience. - **In the past 9 month, we have built our reserves.** To increase this we are in the process of applying for a savings account from the Charity Aids Foundation bank and looking into options from Newton Growth and Income Fund. - Plans include increase our income by £59, 484. This include securing 5 new locality funders (Court Observers localities) securing at least 2 national multiyear funding grants. ## **4. Structure, Governance, and Management** . ## **Trustee Board:** The trustee board is responsible for the overall governance and strategic direction of the charity. Trustees are appointed in accordance with the procedures set out in the governing document. Our new Trustee this year is Lily Muyang– Lily brings experience from Sudan and working with survivors of sexual violence. We have 2 new advisory board members and have been highly appreciate if Barrister who worked on our Moodle course. That includes Gareth Roberts, from Exchange Chambers and Anthony Metzer (QC) from Goldsmith Chambers. ## **Organisational structure** Your management structure can be explained as follows, detailing the key roles and their responsibilities within the organisation: We are now a CPD member and courses are to be accredited. |**JusticeIsNow**|**Key Responsibilities**| |---|---| |**Director**|- Provides overall strategic leadership and
vision.
- Responsible for high-level decision-making.
- Oversees fnancial management and
governance.
- Reports to the Board of Trustees.| |**Programme Manager**|- Leads planning, implementation, and
evaluation of programmes.
- Aligns programmes with organisational goals.
- Manages operations and communication.
- Assists the Director with tasks.| |**Co-Founder (Bid Writer &**
**Volunteer)**|- Writes bids and grant applications to secure
funding.
- Volunteers across regions, ofering hands-on
support.
- Provides strategic input based on experience.| |**Local Peer Support Workers**|- Provide direct support to service users.
- Act as a link between the organisation and
benefciaries.
- Ofer emotional andpractical support.| |**Court Observers**|- Monitor legal proceedings for transparency.
- Collect data to inform advocacy.
- Provide evidence-based recommendations.| |**Trustees/Chair of Trustees**|- Providegovernance,oversight,and strategic| |**JusticeIsNow**|**Key Responsibilities**| |---|---| ||direction.
- Ensure legal compliance and best practices.
- Chair acts as liaison with the Director.| |**External Advisory Board**|- Ofer independent advice and
recommendations.
- Support long-term strategy and networking.
- Enhance credibilityandpartnerships.| This structure ensures a balance of strategic oversight, operational management, and grassroots engagement, enabling the charity to fulfil its mission effectively. ## **Safeguarding:** JusticeIsNow is committed to safeguarding the well-being of all individuals involved in our activities. We have implemented a comprehensive safeguarding policy, which is regularly reviewed and updated. ## **Optional support project:** The pilot project supported 24 individuals. Impact was assessed by way of standard mental health measurements and qualitative data. When speaking to victims of sexual violence, we were frequently told the period after the court case is a tough part of the judicial process. They are left feeling abandoned by the system, emotionally vulnerable as they attempt to come to terms with the verdict and left to deal with difficult emotions following a verdict. Victims repeatedly told us that their mental health deteriorated significantly at this time. Many victims told us that upon the conclusion of legal proceedings their mental health deteriorated to such an extent they were unable to function and undertake basic tasks. Many suffered financially as they were unable to work. Even tasks that seemed simple – for example, getting out of bed, taking a shower or leaving the house – felt almost impossible. Victims told us that they found it incredibly difficult to function during the months after the trial, with suicidal thoughts a common theme. They felt lost, confused and let down by the system. More than one victim told us they were so traumatised by the experience of giving evidence they lost their business due to an inability to work. This is where the idea for the advocacy model came from; _how could we offer support at this time during the period they have no ISVA and have not yet started counselling_ ? Research by the Ministry of Justice states sexual violence has a devastating impact on victims' lives, including long-term physical, psychological, and social effects. These include anxiety, depression and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). There are secondary impacts including relationship difficulties and reduction in ability to work. The impact of sexual violence also extends to nonperpetrator partners, children, family and friends. These individuals can experience secondary effects of trauma. Victims of sexual violence may face barriers in accessing support at individual, cultural and societal levels, and in relation to how a service is designed and delivered. (Hollomotz et al., 2023; Silk, 2023; Silk et al., 2023) Mind research suggests 54% of people wait over 3 months and 12% wait over a year for counselling. Beneficiaries of the pilot project: - 98% female, 2% male, - 34% from the LGBTQIA+ community - 26% BME - 44% were victims of domestic abuse - 78% had a mental health condition - - 24% had a disability The advocacy model is designed to encourage independence as the beneficiary’s confidence grows. (Loss of confidence was one of the most common experiences that victims reported.) Tasks our volunteer advocates undertook included: - Scheduling and accompanying their client to appointments - Assisting with PIP/ESA applications - Referral to and following up with counselling agencies and other support services for appointments. - Speaking to GPs, employers, and other relevant parties on behalf of their client - Offering emotional support through regular check-ins and providing a listening ear - Signposting to relevant support agencies - Hosting informal group sessions to facilitate survivors creating their own peer support systems Qualitative and quantitative analysis showed the pilot scheme made a positive impact on beneficiaries' lives, both in the critical phase post-trial and in the longer term (6m follow up). Average scores can be seen in the table below: ||On Referral|On Discharge|6m Follow Up|Improvement| |---|---|---|---|---| |GAD|16|8|7|43.75%| |PHQ|15|10|8|53.33%| Qualitative data took the form of questionnaires, with some of the comments shown below: ||On Referral|On Discharge| |---|---|---| |Client A (female, 27)|I still can’t believe he
was found not guilty. It
feels like my life is over.
All that for nothing, what
was the point? I’ve
literally cried every day
since the verdict.|I can’t believe what a
diference it has made,
just knowing someone is
there to support me, to
listen. Our calls meant so
much to me and I can’t
thank [advocate]
enough.| |Client B (female, 40)|My emotions have been
all over the place, I am
struggling to do the most
basic things. I feel
terrifed all the time.|I feel so much more
positive about my future.
I feel more able to look
after myself and my
confdence is growing
every day.| |Client C (female, 19)|I feel so sad and alone.|I never thought I would| ||People don’t understand.
I can’t talk to my mum
as she gets upset and I
feel like no one is there
for me now I don’t have
[ISVA] to talk to.|be able to carry on at
uni. My advocate was so
helpful, talking to my
personal tutor and
helping get things set up
for me to come back.| |---|---|---| |Client D (male, 37)|I have noticed the
decline [in mental
health] since it
happened but it has
been much worse since I
gave evidence. The fact
he got of means it was
all for nothing, and now
what? He goes back to
his normal life and I’m
left to pick up the pieces.|It has been so helpful
having [advocate] to talk
to. I felt like she
understood how difcult
it was, and she was so
supportive and
encouraging. It [the
advocacy scheme] has
really made a diference
to how I feel and how
hopeful I am about my
future.| - ●100% of beneficiaries agreed that the advocacy scheme had been helpful - ●89% agreed that their advocate helped them practically as well as emotionally - ●100% agreed that the advocacy scheme played an important part in their recovery - ●72% agreed that the amount of contact they had with their advocate was just right By rolling out the pilot project we aim to support over 100 beneficiaries in the first 12 months. |SIGNED (CHAIR
OF TRUSTEES)
D.Willmo
t|NAME: DOMINIC
WILLMOT|DATE: 29THJanuary 2025|| |---|---|---|---|