Additional support for sexual violence victim-survivors

More victim-survivors of sexual assault will be able to access specialist legal support after the Commonwealth Government announced $19.6 million to extend and expand sexual assault legal services across Australia.

Women’s Legal works in partnership with Victoria Legal Aid (VLA) and Djirra to deliver the Victims Legal Service and sexual assault pilot in Victoria. Women’s Legal provides legal information, advice and representation to victim-survivors of sexual assault seeking to protect their confidential communications and health information, such as medical or counselling records, in court.

Since launching the pilot in 2024, the Victims Legal Service has experienced significant demand.

Women’s Legal CEO Claudia Fatone said, “The legal advice and representation we provide is critical to sexual assault victim-survivors navigating complex justice system processes.”

“Victim-survivors in sexual offence cases can be subjected to some of the most invasive and traumatic aspects of our adversarial criminal trial process.”

This includes applications to access their private or confidential records (including medical and counselling records). This can be distressing for victim-survivors and deter them from engaging with the criminal justice system and even treatment.

“Victim-survivors should be able to seek therapy, and other supports to help with their recovery without worrying that their private and confidential records will be disclosed in court without their consent,” Ms Fatone said.  

This announcement is an important first step towards implementing the Australian Law Reform Commission (ALRC) recommendations that victim-survivors of sexual assault have access to legal advice throughout the justice process, and legal representation in court to prevent the access of their personal, sensitive and confidential information.

To create a system that truly supports victim-survivors, governments must also invest in specialist sexual assault counselling and support services to provide ongoing care and help victim-survivors rebuild their lives.

The ALRC have made several critically important recommendations in its report, also released yesterday. Women’s Legal will continue to review the report in full and will advocate to both the Victorian and Commonwealth Governments the need for victim-survivors of sexual violence to feel empowered to seek support and confident the justice system will be responsive to their needs.