In a major victory for survivors of sexual assault, the Albanese Government has committed an additional $21.4 million to improve their experiences with the criminal justice system.
This funding announcement comes on the back of a comprehensive 669-page report by the Australian Law Reform Commission, which outlines 64 recommendations for reform.
What the Funding Will Achieve
The $21.4 million funding allocation will be used to introduce Justice System Navigators across Australia, as well as expand Independent Legal Representation pilots currently operating in three jurisdictions.
This is a major win for survivors, who have long advocated for better support and representation throughout the justice process.
Sarah Rosenberg, a survivor who featured in news.com.au’s #TakeTheStand campaign, said she was thrilled that the Independent Legal Representation pilots will be expanded.
“It’s absolutely wild that victims are currently not legally represented in the trial against their own (alleged) offender,” she said.
How Justice System Navigators Will Help
The introduction of Justice System Navigators is expected to make a significant difference for survivors. These trained specialists will accompany survivors throughout the justice process, from the initial report to the court hearing, providing support and guidance every step of the way.
Madeline Lane, a rape survivor who also featured in the #TakeTheStand campaign, said she was “incredibly glad” that the government has backed the introduction of Justice System Navigators.
“It is such a pivotal thing that can change the entire experience of people going through the system,” she said.
The Impact of the Funding
The funding announcement is a major step forward for survivors of sexual assault.
The expansion of Independent Legal Representation pilots and the introduction of Justice System Navigators will help to reduce trauma and delays, and ensure that survivors receive the support and representation they need.
The success of similar programs in England and Wales, where Independent Sexual Violence Advocates have been operating since 2007, has shown that this model can be highly effective in reducing the number of sexual assault complainants who drop out of the legal process.
What’s Next
The government’s funding announcement is a significant step forward, but there is still more work to be done.
Key Takeaways
- The Albanese Government has committed an additional $21.4 million to improve the experiences of sexual assault survivors with the criminal justice system.
- The funding will be used to introduce Justice System Navigators and expand Independent Legal Representation pilots.
- The introduction of Justice System Navigators is expected to make a significant difference for survivors, providing them with support and guidance throughout the justice process.
- The funding announcement is a major step forward for survivors, but there is still more work to be done to ensure that the justice system is fair and supportive.