LEGISLATION restricting sexual assault victim-survivors from sharing their stories has returned to the Victorian parliament to be amended.
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The Judicial Proceedings Reports Act ensured victim-survivors would be punished if they shared their stories without a court order.
But the new Justice Legislation Amendment (Supporting Victims and Other Matters) Bill 2020 will make it clear victim-survivors can self-publish their identity and allow most victim-survivors to be identified by consent, without court involvement.
It will also deliver immunity for victim-survivors who shared their stories prior to the amendments.
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Centre Against Sexual Assault Central Victoria chief executive Kate Wright said the organisation was pleased those changes would be made to the legislation.
"It will allow victim-survivors, if they chose, to speak about their experience and sexual assault without any impediment to stop them from telling their story," Ms Wright said.
"It's not only providing justice but social justice for the people who have had a sexual crime committed against them."
The first reading of the new bill took place at the Victorian parliament on Tuesday. It will move to the Upper House in a fortnight.
Ms Wright said the changes would give the power back to victim-survivors.
"When you have experienced a crime against you, that often comes with feelings of powerlessness," she said. "So to be given the choice to tell your story if you want to is very important."
The state government consulted with victim-survivors and those who work in the sector following a series of roundtables in September.
The organisations included members of the 'Let her Speak' campaign, the Victims of Crime Consultative Committee, the Victim-Survivors' Advisory Council, and the Victorian Centres Against Sexual Assault.
Ms Wright said a person that CASA CV had worked with was represented in those consultations.
"It's really pleasing to see that the government has responded to the advocacy that occurred around this matter and also engaged with victim-survivors to hear their voices and what they wanted," she said.
Ms Wright said it was a great first step but there was still work needed in this space.
"We would like to see the process of pursing justice for all sexual assault victims made easier and without dragging it out in the court systems so that recovery and healing can begin to occur as quickly as possible," she said.
For support with recent or past experiences of sexual assault or abuse, contact 1800 RESPECT on 1800 737 732 or the Sexual Assault Crisis Line on 1800 806 292.
For help from CASA CV, contact 5441 0430 or visit casacv.org.au.
In an emergency, call 000.
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