The ACT Greens will look to establish a one stop centre for sexual assault, bringing together key agencies such as forensics, policing, support services and other criminal justice entities to better tackle the scourge of assault and enhance protections for victims in our community.
The current justice system is failing victims of sexual assault, with charges being laid in only 5% of reports recieved by ACT Policing and only half of matters that do go to court resulting in a conviction. This is on top of already low sexual assault reporting rates.
This feasibility study will consider the best possible location and operating model to enable women to only need to make one single assault report, rather than needing to repeat the traumatic story multiple times to multiple agencies.
This will also support the Greens' commitment to further systemically examine the number of sexual assault matters that do not proceed to trial, and consider what needs to change to ensure that perpetrators of sexual assault are held to account.
This reform will be overseen by the existing overarching Sexual Assault Reform Program, made up of heads of relevant criminal justice entities, who will meet regularly to ensure that progress is being made.
As stated by Emma Davidson, ACT Greens spokesperson for Women:
"The Greens want to develop a society-wide culture that understands and promotes sexual safety and consent. Yet still far too many Canberrans, mostly women, experience sexual violence and harrassment in our community. There is no excuse for abuse.
"We want to reform the system so that victims receive the justice and support they need and deserve."
The full package is available here: greens.org.au/act/building-safer-communities.
Statement ends
