*NOW CLOSED* Public consultation open on Bill to support victims-survivor participation in criminal proceedings
Published: 21-09-2022
Public consultation is currently underway on a Bill to progress a series of reforms recommended by the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse.
The reforms relate to supporting victims and survivors to effectively participate in criminal proceedings and receive appropriate support throughout the process.
The Justice Miscellaneous (Royal Commission Amendments) Bill 2022 specifically proposes:
- the introduction of a new crime of ‘failing to protect’ a child, within a relevant institution, from a substantial risk of sexual abuse by an adult associated with the institution;
- the creation of a presumption that a child or young person under 17 years of age, or any person with a mental impairment, does not consent to sexual intercourse where the offender is in a position of authority in respect of the victim;
- removal of all remaining limitation periods that apply to child sexual abuse offences in Tasmania;
- facilitation of greater admissibility of tendency and coincidence evidence in child sexual abuse trials through the adoption of the Uniform Evidence Act as agreed by state and territory governments;
- the enabling of parties to bring interlocutory appeals in child sexual abuse offence matters; and
- extensions to the classes of vulnerable witnesses who are eligible for their pre-recorded police interviews to be used as their evidence in chief in criminal proceedings.
The consultation period will end at 5pm Friday 7 October.
Seeking help?
We encourage anyone affected by, or with concerns about, child sexual abuse or other types of child abuse to access advice and support.
National:
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For domestic, family, and sexual violence counselling and support, contact 1800RESPECT:
- Phone: 1800 737 732
- Visit: www.1800respect.org.au
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For short-term support if you are feeling overwhelmed or having difficulty coping or staying safe, contact Lifeline:
- Phone: 13 11 14
- Visit www.lifeline.org.au
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For free professional phone and online counselling for anyone affected by suicide living in Australia, contact Suicide Call Back Service:
- Phone: 1300 659 467
- Visit: www.suicidecallbackservice.org.au/phone-and-online-counselling/
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For information and support for anxiety, depression and suicide prevention for everyone in Australia, contact Beyond Blue:
- Phone: 1300 224 636
- Visit: www.beyondblue.org.au
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For information and support for anyone who is affected by complex trauma, contact Blue Knot Foundation:
- Phone: 1300 657 380
- Visit: www.blueknot.org.au
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For counselling and support for Australian men, contact MensLine Australia:
- Phone: 1300 789 978
- Visit: www.mensline.org.au
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For advice for men about family violence, contact Men's Referral Service:
- Phone: 1300 766 491
- Visit: www.ntv.org.au/get-help
Tasmania:
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For information about child wellbeing and safety, contact Strong Families, Safe Kids Advice and Referral Line:
- Phone: 1800 000 123
- Visit: www.strongfamiliessafekids.tas.gov.au
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For free and confidential support for people who have been affected by sexual violence, contact the Sexual Assault Support Service:
- Phone: 1800 697 877
- Visit: www.sass.org.au
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For sexual assault support in Northern Tasmania and North West Tasmania, contact Laurel House:
- Phone for Northern Tasmania: (03) 6334 2740
- Phone for North West Tasmania: (03) 6431 9711
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For information and support for children, young people and adults affected by family violence, contact Family Violence Counselling and Support Service:
- Phone: 1800 608 122
- Visit: www.health.tas.gov.au/health-topics/family-violence/family-violence-counselling-and-support-service-fvcss
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For free and confidential support for people impacted by crime, contact Victims of Crime Service:
- Phone: 1300 300 238
- Visit: www.justice.tas.gov.au/victims/services/victims-of-crime-service
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For support for relationships and to live positive lives, contact Relationships Australia Tasmania:
- Phone: 1300 364 277
- Visit: www.tas.relationships.org.au