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MODEL GUIDELINES FOR SEXUAL OFFENCE CASES IN THE CARIBBEAN REGION

provides a benchmark to which every judiciary should aim to achieve.
It is our responsibility to ensure justice is served in the most efficient and effective ways; that the innocent
are quickly exonerated and the guilty made to account and that we make every effort to minimise inflicting
further harm to survivors of sexual assault who seek the support and protection of the criminal justice system.
Through the effective use of these Guidelines, the collaboration between justice sector stakeholders and
the support of each stakeholder, positive impact can be made in improving public trust and confidence and
access to justice to those we serve.
The Guidelines would not have been possible without the generous funding from the Government of Canada.
We are therefore deeply indebted to the Government of Canada, which has had a long and productive
partnership with CARICOM countries in the area of judicial and legal reform. The Guidelines are a great
example of the Government of Canada’s Feminist International Assistance Policy (FIAP) in action. One of
FIAP's goals, is to strengthen legal systems and promote reforms that eliminate all forms of discrimination
against women and girls that prevent them from realizing their economic, political and social rights.
It is with great honour that we present the Model Guidelines for Sexual Offence Cases in the Caribbean
Region.

The Rt. Hon. Sir Dennis Byron.

President, Caribbean Court of Justice
8th August, 2017.

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