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In a tense session of the public bill committee examining proposed modifications to jury trials, victims of sexual violence expressed profound distress over the aggressive line of questioning from MPs. One victim reported feeling overwhelmed to the point of tears, highlighting a troubling atmosphere for those bravely sharing their experiences. The victims’ commissioner has since lodged a formal complaint, raising significant concerns about the treatment of survivors during parliamentary proceedings.
A Disturbing Atmosphere
During the evidence session held on 21 April 2026, individuals affected by sexual violence described their experiences of anxiety and trauma exacerbated by the aggressive questioning style employed by some members of the committee. One survivor, who wished to remain anonymous, conveyed her reaction: “I broke down, sobbing and struggling to breathe” due to what she termed the “pugnacious” nature of the inquiries.
Claire Waxman, the victims’ commissioner, articulated her disapproval of the committee’s approach, stating she could not in good conscience encourage victim-survivors to participate in such sessions that risked retraumatisation. In a letter addressed to John Hayes, the chair of the committee, Waxman’s chief executive, Susannah Hancock, urged for a reassessment of the tone and manner of questioning, which had escalated to an unnecessarily adversarial level.
Calls for Change
The session prompted a wave of criticism from various victims’ organisations, including Rape Crisis and Women’s Aid, which echoed concerns that the exchanges had veered into territory that could inflict further emotional harm. Morwenna Loughman, another victim who attended the session, described her experience as crossing “the line into disrespect,” stating she felt attacked and as though she had been thrust back into a traumatic situation.
Jade Blue McCrossen-Nethercott remarked on the session’s distressing nature, indicating that the boundary between scrutiny and cross-examination was frequently breached, leaving victims feeling vulnerable. Charlotte Meijer expressed similar sentiments, fearing that the harsh questioning Waxman faced could also happen to her during her own evidence session.
An Escalation of Concerns
Shadow Justice Minister Kieran Mullan engaged Waxman in a particularly heated exchange, questioning her about a letter signed by 30 organisations advocating for victims of violence against women and girls (VAWG). The letter requested the justice secretary, David Lammy, to reconsider plans to drastically reduce jury trials. Mullan’s tone was described as confrontational, and Waxman reminded him of the presence of victims in the room, emphasizing the need for sensitivity.
In response to the backlash, committee chairs escalated the issue to Deputy Speaker Nusrat Ghani, who stated that while MPs must question robustly, they also needed to respect the courage of those testifying. Mullan defended his approach, arguing that it was crucial to ensure the truth was upheld, although he expressed regret for any distress caused to victims present.
Rape Crisis voiced their discontent in a letter to the committee, highlighting that the adversarial environment risked mirroring the traumatic dynamics many survivors face. Farah Nazeer, chief executive of Women’s Aid, expressed her disappointment, asserting that while rigorous questioning is essential, the treatment of victims fell short of what they deserved.
A Call for Supportive Spaces
In her response, Waxman emphasised the necessity for Parliament to become a safe and supportive environment for victims. She noted the need for systemic changes to ensure that those sharing their stories are treated with the respect and care they deserve. Following the session, she requested a meeting with the deputy speaker to address these critical issues.
Support resources are available for anyone affected by sexual violence. In the UK, Rape Crisis offers confidential support via 0808 500 2222 in England and Wales, while individuals in Scotland can call 0808 801 0302, and those in Northern Ireland can reach out at 0800 0246 991. In the United States, the Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network (RAINN) provides assistance at 800-656-4673, and Australians can contact 1800Respect at 1800 737 732. International helplines can be accessed through ibiblio.org/rcip/internl.html.
Why it Matters
The distressing experiences of survivors during parliamentary sessions highlight a grave need for reform in how victims are treated within the justice system. The aggressive questioning witnessed not only risks re-traumatising individuals but also undermines the integrity of the testimonies being shared. Creating a supportive environment for victims is paramount, as it ensures that their voices are heard and respected, ultimately fostering a justice system that prioritises healing and accountability over adversarial posturing.
