Reforms to ensure sexual assault survivors are not re-traumatised by the criminal justice system will be prioritised with a funding boost in the upcoming budget.
The federal government has announced a $14.7 million (US$9.7 million) commitment over four years to strengthen the way the system responds to sexual assault cases and prevent further harm to victims seeking justice.
One in five women experience sexual violence after the age of 15 but only 13 percent report their most recent encounter to the police.
Arrest, prosecution and conviction rates in sexual assault cases are also low.
An Australian Law Reform Commission inquiry into justice responses to sexual violence will focus on strengthening laws and examining the experiences of victim-survivors going through the legal system.
The government will also host a ministerial roundtable on addressing sexual violence and will enlist an expert advisory group to support the inquiry.
As part of the funding package, $6.5 million will go towards streamlining sexual assault and consent laws around the nation and improving the criminal justice system.
Small trials targeting prevention and early intervention measures will receive $8.2 million.
Advocacy organisation Fair Agenda said the budget funding for structural and preventative measures was positive and signalled good progress on the issue.
Executive director Renee Carr welcomed the government’s commitment to draw on experts and the lived experience of sexual assault survivors during the inquiry.
“We will be working to ensure this inquiry is given broad scope to consider all parts of the problem, including improving reporting options, ensuring survivors can rely on police and criminal systems if they want to and considering alternate restorative justice options where appropriate,” Carr told AAP.
“We'd also like to see the government’s work in this area consider the role of other institutions who contribute to perpetuating harm.”
Carr said justice reform was crucial to support the recovery of victim-survivors, as well as ensuring they have access to support services.
“Right now, if a rape survivor calls 1800 RESPECT for trauma counselling support, they’re often referred to sexual assault services that have months-long wait lists,” she said.
“Experts are calling on the federal government to allocate at least $1 billion a year to sexual, domestic and family violence services and response.
“(Current) funding is only halfway to that figure. We'll be watching closely for an increase towards that figure in next week’s budget.”
Lifeline 13 11 14
1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732)
National Sexual Abuse and Redress Support Service 1800 211 028
