Sexual Assault Services Victoria (SASVic) welcomes the Victorian Government's bill that will ban cross-examination in committal hearings for victim survivors of sexual violence, stalking and family violence, which is being debated in parliament today.
SASVic has put together an explainer about the new laws, debunking some of the backlash and criticism of what it sees as a common sense reform of an antiquated system. Read the explainer now.
Kathleen Maltzahn, SASVic CEO, says, "This change will maintain accused people's rights while removing an unnecessary legal step that has created avoidable harm to survivors and slowed down the legal process. We're pleased to see the government taking action on this serious issue."
This bill will improve experiences of the justice system for victim survivors. The reforms will mean that complainants in these matters only need to be cross-examined by a defence barrister once, during the trial.
Further changes we support:
Last week, SASVic and Fair Agenda launched a report, Improving the court experience: A model for pre-recording testimony in sexual assault cases. This report sets out a legislative model to expand access to pre-recorded testimony, allowing victim survivors to give their evidence months, or even years - before a trial, in a setting that supports their safety and wellbeing.
We look forward to working with the government to see further justice reform that will make a real difference to survivors, including specialist sexual violence training for police and legal professionals.
About us:
Sexual Assault Services Victoria
Sexual Assault Services Victoria (SASVic) is the peak body for specialist sexual assault and harmful sexual behaviour services in Victoria. We work to promote rights, recovery and respect for victim survivors and other people impacted by sexual violence and harm.
