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Rape on Trial: Episode 2

As Stacey continues to follow the emotional journey of the young women who have reported rape and are now trying to navigate the justice system, we learn the statistics are stark. Less than two per cent of reported sexual assaults result in conviction, although this increases to over 50 per cent for cases that proceed to trial. As their trials near, the women learn that credibility also plays a pivotal role.\n\nStacey catches up with Becca, who, having had her trial postponed, wrote a pleading letter to the judge on her case, explaining the emotional impact it’s had on her. Becca tells Stacey that she’s since received a notification to say that her trial date has been brought forward. Although she is pleased, it forces her to confront the reality of her day in court. She tells Stacey about her pretrial visit to the court, where she received guidance on how to present herself as credibly as possible. \n\nStacey hears that Becca received advice to abstain from attending the rest of the court proceedings after her testimony and was cautioned that projecting too much confidence might adversely affect her case's outcome. Stacey is shocked by the notion that Becca has to play a certain role to be taken seriously or to be believed.\n\nAfter almost three years since reporting, the trial approaches and Becca's nerves become evident, creating a ripple effect throughout her family. Stacey finds out how the legal process has impacted Becca’s boyfriend, Joe, and he shares with Stacey his experience of this difficult journey. On the stand, Becca's drama degree is focused on by the defence, in an attempt to cast doubt on her testimony.\n\nStacey visits Jessie as her court dates nears. It’s two-and-a-half years since she reported to the police. Jessie, too, is confronting her own struggles with the delays. Determined, however, to go through with it, she decides she doesn’t want her mum, Michelle, to attend court with her and is dreading facing the defendant. Stacey chats with Michelle, who reflects on the profound changes she's witnessed in her daughter since she reported the rape to the police.\n\nJessie and another woman who opted to remain anonymous are testifying against Jessie’s ex-boyfriend. Stacey meets up with Lauren, who can only be a witness in the trial, as her case took place in Australia and was dropped for lack of evidence. She tells Stacey she’s worried that the court will question her motives in contacting Jessie.\n\nAs the trial unfolds, the defendant denies all allegations, maintaining that his sexual relationships with all three women were consensual. \n\nNow, almost three years since the women first reported, it’s up to the jury.

Source: BBC 3