The Albanese and Minns Labor Governments are working to better support victim-survivors of sexual violence, with the launch of a new Sexual Assault Survivors’ Legal Service (SASLS).
The $1.74 million initiative will expand Legal Aid NSW’s capacity to provide free legal advice and assist victim-survivors of sexual violence navigate the justice system.
SASLS will provide support across a range of legal matters, including reporting to police, the criminal justice process, subpoenas and other issues related to sexual assault.
According to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, about 1 in 9 women in Australia have experienced sexual violence since the age of 15.
The SASLS also includes the Sexual Assault Communications Privilege Service, which helps health organisations and professionals understand how to respond to subpoenas for counselling or medical records that may be protected under NSW law.
It is part of the $6.2 million Strengthening Sexual Violence Justice Responses package.
Funded through the Federation Funding Agreement, this investment from the Commonwealth is part of ongoing work to strengthen support for victim-survivors of sexual violence, spanning crisis response, early intervention, recovery, healing and primary prevention.
The package includes $4.36 million for the Sexual Violence Justice System Navigator Pilot Program which will run in 11 locations across New South Wales.
An additional $180,000 in funding will also support research into restorative justice models.
This is part of wider work to enhance supports for victim-survivors of sexual violence, which includes a $3.35 million investment for the Sexual Violence Recovery and Healing Grant Program to boost long-term recovery and healing supports.
