BBC Scotland News reporter, Catriona Renton, shared the story of Emma Bryson, a woman who bravely reported being raped as a child but faced barriers in seeking justice. Despite the abuse happening 40 years ago, Emma was unable to see her abuser prosecuted due to insufficient evidence. After years of advocating for change, eight judges decided to overturn the long-standing rule of corroboration in rape cases, giving hope to survivors like Emma.
Emma’s journey to seek justice was filled with obstacles, as she first reported the abuse at the age of 14, only to be told there wasn’t enough evidence to take the case forward. Years later, when she tried again, she discovered that her case still did not meet the requirements of corroboration, a term she was unfamiliar with at the time. Alongside two fellow survivors, Suzy Angus and Shirley Ross, Emma founded Speak Out Survivors to campaign for changing the law on corroboration in rape and sexual abuse cases.
The tireless efforts of Emma and her fellow survivors paid off when the definition of corroboration was revised in 2023, allowing distress shown by the complainant to be considered as evidence. This change enabled more rape victims to have better access to justice, a significant milestone in their fight for survivors’ rights. Despite the challenges and setbacks, Emma felt vindicated when her case was finally reconsidered and charged under the new legal framework.
While the change in the law brought hope for many survivors, there are concerns from some defense lawyers about potential miscarriages of justice. Thomas Ross KC highlighted the challenges of navigating the new legal landscape, emphasizing the importance of maintaining balance and fairness in the judicial system. As the debate continues, survivors like Emma remain steadfast in their advocacy work, determined to pave the way for a more just and inclusive legal system for all
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