§ Mr. MaplesTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement on measures to protect the anonymity of rape victims in civil cases.
§ Mr. John PattenUnder section 4 of the Sexual Offences (Amendment) Act 1976, as amended by section 158 of the Criminal Justice Act 1988, it is an offence to publish or broadcast the name or address or a still or moving picture of a woman after an allegation has been made that she has been the victim of a rape offence, if that is likely to lead members of the public to identify her as an alleged victim of such an offence. The prohibition applies during the whole of the woman's lifetime, unless the courts make a specific direction to the contrary, and it applies whether proceedings follow or not; if they do, it applies in relation to civil as well as criminal proceedings. It is, however, a defence that the woman has given written consent for the matter to appear, provided that no person has unreasonably interfered with her peace or comfort with intent to obtain the consent. Prosecutions require the consent of my right hon. and learned Friend the Attorney-General. The maximum penalty is a £2,000 fine.