Victoria’s justice system is traumatising victim-survivors, according to aon police and court processes in the state.
Victoria’s Victims of Crime Commissioner (VOCC) Fiona McCormack said the criminal justice system is “primarily designed to ensure the fair treatment of the accused.”
For its “Silenced and Sidelined” report, the VOCC surveyed more than 150 victim-survivors to learn more about their experiences in the justice system.
Fewer than a third of victim-survivors who gave evidence in a Victorian court said they would willingly do it again.
Two in five respondents who didn’t report asaid they either felt unsafe around police or feared they would not be taken seriously.
33% of victim-survivors didn’t know what support services were available to them or how to access them.
63% of victim-survivors with a disability said they felt excluded from the justice system.
Your contribution ensures The Daily Aus can continue doing the work you love.
I want to give $10 monthly to help TDA keep doing the news.
Your details:
Three in five respondents with a disability said they did not report a crime because talking to police would make them feel unsafe.
Four in five First Nations victim-survivors felt they were not included during court and police processes at any stage.
75% of respondents felt concerned about their safety in court.
72% received little-to-no information from prosecutors to help them participate in the justice system. More than half had not been given the opportunity to read a Victim Impact Statement.
Lifeline:
1800 RESPECT:
13 YARN:
