1,000 signatures reached
To: To all Australian Governments
Take The Stand
When sexual assault survivors go through the criminal justice system they do so at great personal cost. Many report leaving the system more traumatised than when they entered it.
But it doesn't have to be this way.
There are simple, proven, cost effective programs which can reduce trauma and improve justice outcomes.
Programs like Justice Navigators, Court Support Dogs, Witness Intermediaries, and Independent Legal Representation can make a powerful difference.
Specialist court features including separate entrances/ waiting areas, separate court lists, and specialist training for judges and other personnel, can reduce delays and improve the overall system experience.
Investing in specialist sexual assault counselling services and long haul supports ensures that victim-survivors are not abandoned the moment the criminal system is through with them.
Victim-survivors deserve safety, dignity and respect.
Why is this important?
Survivors of rape and sexual assault participate in the criminal justice system of their own free will. The system would collapse in regards to sexual crimes, without their voluntary involvement. Many do so at great personal cost.
When they take the stand, they do it to keep us, the community safe. Now it’s our turn to take a stand for them and demand a criminal justice system that does not further injure those who enter it.