Politics · India Bureau
Assault survivors launch support initiative for women testifying in court
Two sexual assault survivors have launched a campaign to help women feel confident when giving evidence in court proceedings. The initiative seeks to provide clothing support and personal shopping assistance to survivors navigating the judicial system.
LSN India ·
Sarah Lee, 39, and Kayla Poulton, 36, have established CourtRobe, a support initiative designed to boost confidence among women testifying as witnesses or complainants in sexual assault cases. The campaign addresses a significant gap in support services for survivors during one of the most challenging experiences they may face.
The initiative is seeking donations of clothing and shopping vouchers from department stores to provide women with court-appropriate attire. According to the campaign's framework, participants will also have access to free personal shopping sessions conducted by retail staff trained in trauma-informed practices.
The project is being developed in partnership with the Emma Ritch Law Clinic at the University of Glasgow, which specializes in providing legal support and advocacy services. This collaboration brings together legal expertise with practical support mechanisms to address survivors' needs comprehensively.
The campaign recognises that appearance-related anxieties can compound the stress survivors already experience when testifying in court. By removing barriers related to clothing selection and providing professional guidance, CourtRobe aims to allow survivors to focus on their testimony and the judicial process itself.
The initiative represents a growing recognition of holistic support requirements for sexual assault survivors navigating the criminal justice system, addressing both practical and psychological needs during proceedings.