SUBMISSION Inquiry into justice responses to sexual violence: Australian Law Reform Commission
This submission outlines key recommendations to support a review of justice responses to sexual violence in Australia.
ANROWS supports the Australian Government’s commitment to strengthen and harmonise sexual assault and consent laws and to improve outcomes and experiences for victims and survivors in the justice system.
ANROWS provided a submission to the inquiry into justice responses to sexual violence conducted by the Australian Law Reform Commission (ALRC). The submission drew on our evidence base to highlight the need to:
Improve victim and survivor experiences in the criminal legal system, by:
- implementing trauma-informed measures that prioritise the safety and wellbeing of victims and survivors, including alternative reporting options
- reducing delays for victims and survivors participating in the criminal legal process
- ensuring victims and survivors maintain personal agency and choice throughout the criminal legal process.
Address myths and misconceptions about sexual violence in the criminal legal system, by:
- enhancing the uptake of contemporary evidence about the dynamics of sexual assault by actors in the criminal legal process
- supporting the implementation and evaluation of jury directions
- supporting the implementation and evaluation of evidence-informed police training and judicial education initiatives.
Support alternative avenues for justice for victims and survivors of sexual violence, by:
- reducing barriers to accessing compensation schemes for victims and survivors of sexual violence
- addressing barriers to disclosure and reporting workplace sexual harassment.
The submission will be of interest to people working on policy, practice or research relating to legal and justice responses to sexual violence. ANROWS has consistently responded to jurisdictional inquiries into justice responses to sexual violence, and the majority of evidence is applicable across jurisdictions.
Suggested citation
Australia’s National Research Organisation for Women’s Safety. (2024). Inquiry into justice responses to sexual violence: Australian Law Reform Commission [Submission]. ANROWS.