Professor Penny Cooper Comments on the Interim Report of the Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse

The Interim Report of the Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse has today recommended a new law for vulnerable witnesses and victims in the civil courts.

Penny Cooper is a barrister and door tenant at 39 Essex Chambers and Professor of Law. She has been at the forefront of groundbreaking changes for vulnerable witnesses in court for some 15 years. Described as the 'guru' on special measures for vulnerable witnesses and victims, Penny invented the the ground rules approach for vulnerable witnesses and had already been instrumental in changes to criminal and family court procedure rules.

Penny says: "I am delighted that IICSA has recommended new law and procedure in civil cases - all witnesses and victims have the right to give their best evidence. Criminal and family law changes have been moving fast and civil trials must catch up. Solicitors I work with are already making applications for innovative adjustments for their vulnerable clients. But IICSA's recommendations go further and if implemented would signal a major change change in civil trials, particularly when survivors of abuse and injury are due to be cross-examined."

The full report is available on the IICSA website.

For further information on Penny Cooper please see here.