State Prosecutor Shai Nitzan has published a new directive which is designed to guide policy regarding the opening of investigations on sexual offences when the victim refuses to cooperate with authorities.
Nitzan said that the autonomy of the victim should be respected despite the public need to bring sexual offenders to justice and prevent further attacks as well as present a deterrent to attacks.
The directive states that the investigator should try to understand the victim's reluctance and use care and sensitivity in attempting to persuade victims to testify. The victim should be told that he has the full protection of the law but that if he refuses to testify the case may be closed. No pressure should be brought to bear on victims to testify, including any type of threat against him if he refuses to comply.