A Bill to support an improved experience of the court system for victim-survivors of sexual, family and personal violence was introduced by the ACT Government in the Legislative Assembly today.
The reforms are designed to promote the ongoing safety and wellbeing of those in need of protection, and to improve the efficiency and safety for all parties in family violence and personal violence proceedings.
The Sexual, Family and Personal Violence Legislation Amendment Bill 2023 forms the latest component of a wider program of legislative change to transform the way the ACT Government responds to and prevents sexual, family and personal violence and the experience of victim-survivors of sexual, family and personal violence through the court system.
The changes include:
- Neutral bail presumptions for certain sex offences such as third-degree sexual assault, incest, use of a child to produce child exploitation material, and grooming and depraving young people.
- Streamlining court proceedings related to family violence and/or personal violence orders.
An extensive consultation process, including two roundtables, was undertaken earlier this year and provided valuable input on the amendments in this Bill.
As stated by Attorney-General Shane Rattenbury:
“The ACT Government is committed to improving responses to and the prevention of sexual, family and personal violence in the community.
“This includes doing more to protect the ongoing safety of victim-survivors and improving their journey in the court system.
“Understanding where the system has been letting victim-survivors down has allowed us to see where the work needed to be done, and to collaborate with the right stakeholders to ensure the changes will have the desired effect.
“This program of reform continues, and the ACT Government will continue its commitment to improving the experience of victim-survivors of sexual, family and personal violence.”
Information about support for individuals and families affected by sexual, family and personal violence is available at www.communityservices.act.gov.au/sexual-assault-prevention-and-response/support-services-available-in-the-act
