The Minns and Albanese Labor Governments are strengthening specialist support for victim-survivors of sexual violence in the justice system with the roll out of 11 justice system navigators across New South Wales.
As part of the NSW Government's Strengthening Sexual Violence Justice Responses package, $4.36 million will be invested in these specialist workers who will provide dedicated, trauma-informed support to sexual violence victim-survivors.
Backed by Commonwealth funding, this program will help more victim-survivors make informed decisions, navigate the justice process, and connect with legal and other support services.
The program is a two-year pilot that will be available in key locations in metropolitan, regional and rural New South Wales.
The 11 navigators are located in a range of settings including community organisations, Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations, and NSW Police stations, recognising that victim-survivors approach the justice system through different pathways.
Five navigators will be based in community organisations selected for their expertise in supporting victim-survivors of sexual violence:
- Bullinah Aboriginal Health Services - supporting select locations in Far North Coast NSW
- Eleanor Duncan Aboriginal Services - supporting select locations in the Central Coast
- Full Stop Australia - supporting metropolitan Sydney
- Mallee Family Care - supporting select locations in Far West NSW
- Rosie's Place - supporting select locations in Western Sydney.
Two navigators will be embedded in Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations delivering the Aboriginal Family Wellbeing and Violence Prevention program:
- Yenu Allowah Aboriginal Child & Family Centre - supporting the Mount Druitt region
- Tamworth Aboriginal Medical Service - supporting the Tamworth and Gunnedah regions.
The remaining four navigators will be embedded within Women's Domestic Violence Court Advocacy Services and co-located at the Fairfield, Belmont, Orange and Nowra NSW Police stations.
The specialist workers will provide victim-survivors with practical guidance and ongoing support to navigate the sexual violence justice system and offer critical information about their rights and options at all stages of the process.
The Sexual Violence Justice System Navigator program is a key initiative under the NSW Government's expanded $6.2 million Strengthening Sexual Violence Justice Responses package.
Funded through the Family, Domestic and Sexual Violence Responses 2021-2030 Federation Funding Agreement, this investment from the Commonwealth is part of wider work across Australia to strengthen support for victim-survivors of sexual violence, spanning crisis response, early intervention, recovery, healing and primary prevention.
That package also separately provides $1.74 million to expand Legal Aid NSW's capacity to provide legal advice to sexual violence complainants with the creation of the NSW Sexual Assault Survivors Legal Service (SASLS), and $180,000 to support research into restorative justice models.
This is part of wider work by the Minns and Albanese Labor Government to support victim-survivors of sexual violence, including $3.35 million to enhance recovery and healing supports through the Sexual Violence Recovery and Healing Grant Program.
Federal Attorney-General, Michelle Rowland said:
"Australians rightly expect governments at all levels to work together to deliver support for those who need it most, including victim survivors of sexual violence.
"The establishment of Sexual Violence Justice System Navigators across a range of settings, combined with additional funding to expand Legal Aid NSW's service offering, is delivering more support in more places for victim-survivors.
"This vital investment in specialist support builds on our Government's commitment to end family, domestic and sexual violence, with consultation underway on the development of the Second Action Plan under the National Plan to End Violence against Women and Children 2022-2032."
Federal Assistant Minister for Social Services and the Prevention of Family Violence Ged Kearney said:
"Reporting sexual violence can be one of the hardest things a person will ever do. A victim-survivor should not have to navigate police, courts, legal processes and support services on their own. Especially while trying to recover from trauma.
"Many victim-survivors tell us they feel frightened, confused and overwhelmed after reporting sexual violence. The Sexual Violence Justice System Navigators provide practical support continuity of trauma-informed care so women don't have to face the journey alone.
"Importantly, they will be embedded in specialist sexual violence services and ACCOs, building on and supporting the extraordinary work already being done by frontline workers every day. They'll ensure victim-survivors have someone they trust to walk alongside them from the moment they seek help through to every stage of the justice and healing process.
"It should raise collective alarm in all corners of our country that 9 in 10 women do not report sexual violence. The Albanese Government is committed to addressing this problem, including by making the justice system more accessible, so that more victim-survivors will feel empowered to seek justice and more men will be held accountable for this horrendous crime".
NSW Attorney General Michael Daley said:
"This pilot is a critical next step to improve the experience of victim-survivors as they seek justice.
"We know complainants can face significant challenges when navigating the justice system, and are determined to put in place practical, meaningful reform to ensure they can get the help they need when they need it.
"We recognise there is more to do to and are continuing to look at ways to strengthen access to justice and support for victim-survivors."
NSW Minister for the Prevention of Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Jodie Harrison said:
"The NSW Government has listened to victim-survivors and is building on its commitment to strengthen justice responses to domestic family and sexual violence.
"Victim-survivors deserve access to compassionate support and a justice system which does not add to their trauma.
"By investing in community-based justice system navigators, it's easier for victim-survivors to access support throughout the criminal justice process while linking them with community organisations, legal services and government agencies."
Support:
If you or someone you know are in immediate danger, call the Police on Triple Zero / 000.
For confidential advice, support, and referrals, contact 1800 RESPECT or 13 YARN.
If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic and family violence, call the NSW Domestic Violence Line on 1800 65 64 63 for free counselling and referrals, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
If you or someone you know has experienced sexual violence, call the Sexual Violence Helpline on 1800 424 017 for free counselling and referrals, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
For information on Men's Behaviour Change Programs operating in your local area, contact the Men's Referral Service on 1300 766 491.
