Most sexual assault survivors and other victims feel ‘silenced and sidelined’ by the justice system, landmark report says
Victims expect to play a part in the justice process but most feel ‘relegated to the role of a passive witness’, ‘having no say’ and being ‘told nothing’, Victoria’s Victims of Crime Commissioner says.Victims expect to play a part in the justice process but most feel ‘relegated to the role of a passive witness’, ‘having no say’ and being ‘told nothing’, Victoria’s Victims of Crime Commissioner says.
McCormack said while the Victorian government in 2018 introduced changes to the law to recognise the victim’s role as a participant in proceedings for criminal offences, it had not translated to tangible change. Many spoke about having to chase police and prosecutors for updates and being “blind-sided”, because they did not get information, including about court dates.
Another victim said their perpetrator “smirked” at them throughout proceedings. They were denied alternative arrangements to read their victim impact behind a screen. McCormack recommended sexual assault victims be provided with state-funded legal representation during some proceedings, to play a “protective role” for the victim that prosecutors don’t.
She said they included Indigenous people, migrants, those with a disability and members of the LGBTQ+ community.
Australia Latest News, Australia Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
A Beautiful Blend of Victorian and Modernist StyleA Victorian home with a stunning modernist interior design
Read more »
'Lovely, outgoing, friendly' Victorian mother remembered after body found in wheelie binChaithanya "Swetha" Madhagani has been remembered as a "lovely" woman after her body was discovered in a wheelie bin on an isolated road in Victoria.
Read more »
Body of Victorian mother found in wheelie binBuckley mother Chaithanya 'Swetha' Madhagani's body was discovered dumped in a wheelie bin just days after her husband flew overseas, before he reportedly phoned relatives to provide information about her death.
Read more »
Victorian family of eight on trip of a lifetime around Australia in converted busWith two adults, six kids, three dogs and one cat on board, even a 12.5m converted bus is a tight squeeze for the Honeyman family. But they say the freedom and life experience it allows are invaluable.
Read more »
Gaslight a Victorian gothic museum piece with an inspired twistThis wrap of shows around Melbourne includes a menacing gothic drama, ’80s pop at the Palais with The Human League and The Streets’ commitment to crowd-surfing.
Read more »
Gaslight a Victorian gothic museum piece with an inspired twistThis wrap of shows around Melbourne includes a menacing gothic drama, ’80s pop at the Palais with The Human League and The Streets’ commitment to crowd-surfing.
Read more »