Glossary of Terms and Additional Support

Glossary of terms and additional support

There are a lot of words you might not be used to hearing that are said in the films. They can be quite confusing so we have made a list of the key terms and what they mean:

Achieving Best Evidence (ABE): the video recorded statement the police take. A police officer will ask you to explain what happened to you and may ask you questions about any details they need.

Assault by Penetration: A sexual offence where a person intentionally penetrates the vagina or anus of another person with an object, or part of the body other than the penis, without their consent, or reasonable belief in consent.

Barrister: a type of lawyer who argues cases in court. Criminal barristers wear wigs and robes. In a trial there are normally two, one working for the prosecution and one for the defence.

Consent: making a willing, informed and enthusiastic choice that you have the freedom and capacity to make. Having freedom to consent means that you are free to choose and there isn’t the threat of anything bad happening if you say no. Having the capacity to consent means whether you are physically and/or mentally able to make a choice and understand the consequences of that choice.

Court: the buildings where trials take place.

Crown Prosecution Service (CPS): the lawyers that work for the state and decide whether cases go to trial, and prepare cases for court.

Defendant: the name given to the person accused of a crime who stands trial.

Evidence: anything which can be used to give additional information and proof of what happened.

Havens: the name for Sexual Assault Referral Centres (SARCs) in London.

Independent Sexual Violence Advocates (ISVAs): these are specialist supporters of survivors who give information on the criminal justice system, as well as other areas. There is more information here.

Initial Statement: the first brief statement to the police about what happened, including where it happened and who the perpetrator was, if you know them.

Judge: the person who makes sure the trial happens according to the law.

Jury: the twelve people who listen to all of the evidence at trial and decide whether a defendant is guilty or not guilty.

Perpetrator: the person who commits the offence.

Police Investigation: what the police do after a crime has been reported where they gather evidence and talk to any witnesses. They will also question the suspect. Rape: In the UK rape is the penetration of the vagina, anus or mouth of another person with a penis, without the person’s consent, where the perpetrator does not have reasonable belief there was consent.

Sapphire Unit: the specialist police unit in London which deals with sexual offences.

Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC): a place where survivors can go soon after the offence has taken place to have their body medically examined by specialists so that you can be checked over physically and evidence can be collected They may have counselling and advocacy support as well. You can find your nearest one here.

Sentence: the punishment that the judge gives someone who is found guilty of a crime.

SOIT: a specialist police officer who deals with sexual offences in London.

Suspect: someone who is accused of committing a crime, who the police investigate.

Trial: the process where someone accused of committing a crime is found to be guilty or not guilty by the jury after they have heard all the evidence.

Victim: the person who the crime happens to. Can also be called a complainant.

Video Recorded Interview (VRI): the recorded statement the police take, where you explain exactly happened to you. Can also be called an ABE. This is used in Court during the trial.

Witness: someone who has more information about what happened, and helps the police with their investigation.

If you have experienced sexual violence then you deserve support. Please do call the National Rape Crisis Helpline on 0808 802 9999 or contact your local Rape Crisis centre (find yours here).

You can also find more information in some of the links below:

An Overview of the Criminal Justice System by Rape Crisis South London

Your Body, Your Rights, Your Life: a young person’s guide to sexual violence and the law by Rights of Women

Interactive Courtroom by You & Co.

Survivors UK provides support and counselling for male survivors of rape and sexual abuse