The pilots will broaden an existing communications privilege service and a statewide advice line
The federal government has announced the allocation of funding for specialised and trauma-informed sexual violence legal services pilots to be launched in NSW and Queensland.
The pilot will broaden the current Sexual Assault Communications Privilege Service in NSW, increasing access to more holistic legal assistance for victims and survivors and addressing legal issues faced in the pursuit of justice. The pilot will also support a statewide advice line in Queensland that provides legal information and advice, focusing on youth who are increasingly affected by sexual violence.
The pilots were developed with input from legal practice and support services to craft holistic responses to sexual violence and enhance justice outcomes, the government said. Legal Aid NSW will deliver the pilot in that state, while Caxton Legal Centre will deliver the one in Queensland. Partner providers in each state will pitch in as well.
Attorney-general Michelle Rowland made the announcement yesterday alongside social services minister Tanya Plibersek and Ged Kearney, associate minister for social services and the prevention of family violence.
“Today's announcement coincides with International Women's Day, with this year's theme — Balancing the Scales — speaking directly to the need for accessible justice for all women and girls. Through the sexual violence legal services pilots, we’re working to remove barries to access to justice for victims and survivors of sexual violence, helping ensure that they are informed and supported when engaging with the justice system”, Rowland said in a statement released on 8 March.
She confirmed that the federal government would collaborate with state and territory governments to improve the experiences of sexual assault victims and survivors. The pilots are a key aspect of the government’s $21.4m initial response to the Australian Law Reform Commission’s sexual violence report, which revealed that engaging with the justice system harmed and re-traumatised victims and survivors.
“1 in 5 women and 1 in 16 men have experienced sexual violence, many of them will tell you that navigating the justice system makes a terrible experience worse. We need to make the police and court systems more responsive and easier to navigate”, Plibersek said. “There’s more work to do, but the expansion of these pilots along with our record funding for frontline services, making the Leaving Violence Program permanent, thousands of new homes and programs to stop the violence at the start are making a life changing difference”.
The government has already invested in pilots implemented in WA, SA, Tasmania, ACT, and NT. Moreover, the funding supports initiatives under the Standing Council of Attorneys-General Work Plan to Strengthen Criminal Justice Responses to Sexual Assault 2022-27.
“The extension of these pilots will ensure more victims and survivors across the country have access to safe, trauma informed legal support and advice. With low sexual violence reporting and conviction rates, this sends a clear message to victims and survivors – we believe you, we see you, and we support you”, Kearney said.
