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Questions and Answers
What must happen for the media to request restrictions to be lifted on reporting a trial?
What must happen for the media to request restrictions to be lifted on reporting a trial?
Victims of sexual offences do not have lifelong anonymity if the case does not reach court.
Victims of sexual offences do not have lifelong anonymity if the case does not reach court.
False
What does the Sexual Offences (Amendment) Act 1992 primarily prohibit?
What does the Sexual Offences (Amendment) Act 1992 primarily prohibit?
Identifying victims of sexual offences.
The accused can ask for restrictions to be lifted to encourage ______ to come forward.
The accused can ask for restrictions to be lifted to encourage ______ to come forward.
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Match the following clauses with their requirements regarding reporting sexual offences:
Match the following clauses with their requirements regarding reporting sexual offences:
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Which of the following is a condition under which the media may legally identify a victim of sexual assault?
Which of the following is a condition under which the media may legally identify a victim of sexual assault?
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Journalists are allowed to disclose the identity of a victim if they have adequate justification.
Journalists are allowed to disclose the identity of a victim if they have adequate justification.
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Name one type of offence mentioned that can be considered a non-contact sexual offence.
Name one type of offence mentioned that can be considered a non-contact sexual offence.
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A victim of a sexual offence may not be identified in media reports unless there is ______ justification.
A victim of a sexual offence may not be identified in media reports unless there is ______ justification.
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What law provides lifelong anonymity for victims of sexual offences in the UK?
What law provides lifelong anonymity for victims of sexual offences in the UK?
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Victims of sexual offences can be named if they have given valid consent.
Victims of sexual offences can be named if they have given valid consent.
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Name one type of offence that grants lifelong anonymity under the Sexual Offences (Amendment) Act 1992.
Name one type of offence that grants lifelong anonymity under the Sexual Offences (Amendment) Act 1992.
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The act that provides anonymity from the moment a complaint is made is the Sexual Offences (Amendment) Act ___
The act that provides anonymity from the moment a complaint is made is the Sexual Offences (Amendment) Act ___
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Match the following offences with their corresponding legal acts:
Match the following offences with their corresponding legal acts:
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Which of the following is NOT covered by the law regarding anonymity for sexual offence victims?
Which of the following is NOT covered by the law regarding anonymity for sexual offence victims?
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Anonymity laws apply to both civil and criminal cases involving sexual offences.
Anonymity laws apply to both civil and criminal cases involving sexual offences.
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What is one new offence added under the Online Safety Bill that involves lifelong anonymity?
What is one new offence added under the Online Safety Bill that involves lifelong anonymity?
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Victims of sexual offences can sue under ___ law if they were not validly identified.
Victims of sexual offences can sue under ___ law if they were not validly identified.
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Which of the following types of information can NOT be published about a victim of sexual offences?
Which of the following types of information can NOT be published about a victim of sexual offences?
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What is jigsaw identification?
What is jigsaw identification?
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A parent or guardian can give consent for a victim under 16 to waive their anonymity.
A parent or guardian can give consent for a victim under 16 to waive their anonymity.
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What should a journalist obtain to ensure the victim's anonymity is waived?
What should a journalist obtain to ensure the victim's anonymity is waived?
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When two or more news organizations report on the same story, it can lead to ______ identification.
When two or more news organizations report on the same story, it can lead to ______ identification.
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Match the following scenarios with their corresponding consequences:
Match the following scenarios with their corresponding consequences:
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Why might a victim choose to waive their anonymity?
Why might a victim choose to waive their anonymity?
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It is safe to name a suspect at the arrest stage regardless of whether they are charged.
It is safe to name a suspect at the arrest stage regardless of whether they are charged.
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What should written consent explicitly state regarding the victim's peace and comfort?
What should written consent explicitly state regarding the victim's peace and comfort?
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When multiple news reports combine details, they can lead to ______ identification of a legal anonymous victim.
When multiple news reports combine details, they can lead to ______ identification of a legal anonymous victim.
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Which of the following is NOT a condition for lifting restrictions on naming a victim?
Which of the following is NOT a condition for lifting restrictions on naming a victim?
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Study Notes
Reporting on Sexual Offences
- A complainant's identity is protected from the moment a complaint is made about a sexual offence. This protection is automatic.
- The Sexual Offences (Amendment) Act 1992 provides lifelong anonymity for victims of virtually all sexual offences.
- Anonymity applies to both male and female victims.
- Publication of information that could identify a victim is prohibited.
- Details such as name, address, school/work details, and images are not allowed to be published, if it is likely to identify the victim.
- This also applies to UK nationals abroad in cases where the defendant is British and the crime occurred in the UK.
- Victims can sue for damages under privacy law if their consent to being identified was not validly given.
Offences Covered
- All offences listed under the Sexual Offences Act 2003 are covered.
- Lifelong anonymity applies under the Sexual Offences (Amendment) Act 1992.
- Offences include rape, assault by penetration, sexual assault, trespass with intent to commit a sexual offence, sexual activity with a child, controlling a prostitute, exposure, trafficking into the UK for sexual exploitation, modern-day slavery, internet grooming, upskirting, and voyeurism.
Anonymity in other cases
- Anonymity rules in civil cases (e.g., damages claims for rape) are the same as for criminal cases.
- Defendants can be named, but care must be taken not to include information that could identify the victim.
- This includes information that could be pieced together to reveal the victim's identity.
When anonymity can be lifted
- If the victim (aged 16 or over) provides written consent and without interference to their peace or comfort, restrictions for identifying them can be lifted
- Consent can only be given by the victim, and not their parent or guardian.
Other important information
- New offences exist such as revenge porn (added after the Online Safety Bill), voyeurism (breastfeeding now applicable) and positions of trust.
- FGM (Female Genital Mutilation), forced marriage and other relevant acts are also covered.
- Identifying a victim (Jigsaw piece identification) based on accumulated information and multiple released details can identify the victims. This is possible in situations where multiple news organizations report on the same story or a newspaper releases multiple details about the case which, when combined, identify the victim.
- Cases involving children are protected under Clause 7 of the sexual offence code, which states that the child must not be identified, and 'incest' must not be published in connection with cases involving a child.
- Clause 11 states that the press can't identify a victim of sexual assault unless there is justification or they are legally free to do so.
- Journalists can make enquiries but need to be cautious to avoid disclosing victim's details without justification. Adequate justification for disclosing a victim's details may arise from valid written consent to do so.
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Description
Explore the vital aspects of sexual offences reporting and the anonymity laws that protect victims. This quiz covers key legislation like the Sexual Offences (Amendment) Act 1992 and guidelines regarding victim identification. Test your understanding of the rights and protections afforded to complainants in the UK.
