CPS publishes interim fundamental principles on victims accessing pre-trial therapy

Victims should prioritise their well-being and not hesitate in receiving therapy for any reason connected with a police investigation or prosecution, the CPS has said.

Ahead of full updated guidance being published later this year, the fundamental principles on pre-trial therapy has been released to help knock down the common misconception that accessing counselling can damage a prosecution case.

Charlotte Caulton-Scott, Head of RASSO for CPS East Midlands said: “It is vital that victims know they can access therapy at any time and that doing so is entirely their decision - their wellbeing is paramount.

“This is a sensitive issue to navigate and one we don’t take lightly. These principles set out the clear steps prosecutors, investigators and therapists need to take to balance supporting victims, protecting their right to privacy, and ensuring the defendants’ right to a fair trial.”

The fundamental principles can be found in our prosecution guidance, entitled ‘Pre-Trial Therapy: Fundamental Principles’.