Innovative Approaches to Victim Justice: is Civil law the answer to the Justice Gap?

• In Event: Victimological futures: Exploring new approaches to victimisation and justice

Abstract

Since the landmark civil suits of Miss M and Ms AB the potential for civil justice in the UK to provide an alternative means of accessing justice for victim/survivors of sexual violence has been raised. In contrast to the extensive research on the failings of the Criminal Justice System there has been little to no academic exploration of this option. This presentation will explore the context, theory, and contemporary use of civil justice following sexual violence. It will reference recent landmark cases with the aim of providing a rounded and in-depth picture of what the potential benefits and risks may be to victim/survivors considering civil action following sexual violence.

Author

• Stephanie FOHRING, Northumbria University, UK