A YORK support group for victims of sexual and domestic violence has backed moves to spare them cross-examinations in court.

Justice Secretary Liz Truss has outlined significant changes from September to rape trials to allow for victims to give pre-recorded evidence away from court before the trial, that would then be played to a jury.

But England's most senior judge Lord Chief Justice, Lord Thomas of Cwmgiedd, said her department had “misunderstood”, forcing him to write to all judges to correct the mistake.

Only child witnesses would give pre-trial evidence on videotape – alongside a trial in three centres for alleged adult victims of sexual offences, he said.

But, Downing Street stood by Ms Truss, insisting the policy would go ahead as she had described.

Chris Davies, project manager of York-based Independent Domestic Abuse Service (IDAS), said: “Anything that makes the prospect of the court process less intimidating for women and men who have experienced sexual violence has to be a good thing for their recovery.

"It’s an incredibly intimidating prospect to be giving evidence or being cross examined.

“This gives people the best opportunity to recover as quickly as possible.”

The move. following a successful pilot. has also been welcomed by Julia Mulligan, North Yorkshire’s Police and Crime Commissioner.

“Pre-recorded cross-examinations help victims to give evidence in a more relaxed environment, reducing levels of distress, which can only be a good thing.

“Putting the needs of victims first is entirely consistent with the approach I have in North Yorkshire, and has been the focus of improvements we’ve made supporting survivors of domestic and sexual abuse."

“I have commissioned services, such as the Independent Domestic Abuse Services (IDAS), to help victims to cope and recover after crime.”

Victims can report incidents to the police or to IDAS directly where you can receive professional support at any time of the day on 03000 110 110.