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Sexual Violence Specialist Courts

Proposal Summary

Specialist SV Court with: Specialist magistrates trained in sexual violence, Independent legal advocates), limits to cross-examination, timeline to reduce prolonged proceedings

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In the same way there are Specialist FV Courts, we should haveSpecialist Sexual Violence Courts with:

• Specialist magistrates trained in sexual violence and trauma.
• Independent legal advocates for victim-survivors (not just court support workers).
• Consistent use of intermediaries to support communication.
• Limits on cross-examination practices that cause secondary victimisation.
• A mandated trauma-informed practice framework for prosecutors and defence counsel.
• Timeliness targets to reduce prolonged proceedings.

Law Reform Commission has written about this previously and looks like NZ has had a trial of this approach - https://www.lawreform.vic.gov.au/publication/improving-the-justice-system-response-to-sexual-offences-report/18-specialisation-and-sexual-offence-trials/

• Sexual Violence Specialist Courts