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….