Australia Proposes Overhaul of Justice System for Sexual Violence Cases

The Australian Law Reform Commission's recommendations aim to address systemic barriers, improve victim support, and expand legal resources.

The Australian Law Reform Commission released a 669-page report with 64 recommendations to improve justice responses to sexual violence.
Key proposals include mandatory training for police, prosecutors, and lawyers on sexual assault myths and trauma-informed practices.
The Albanese government committed $21.4 million to initiatives such as Justice System Navigators and expanding Independent Legal Representation pilots nationwide.
The report highlights that 92% of sexual assault victims do not approach the police, with 85% of reported cases not resulting in charges.
Advocates welcomed the recommendations but noted the lack of more radical reforms, such as full legal representation for victims throughout trials, as a missed opportunity.