CENTRE Against Violence Wangaratta (CAV) has lauded a landmark national review of Australia’s sexual assault laws, police processes and court procedures as a pivotal move towards a safer and more supportive justice system.

This review, initiated by Federal Attorney-General Mark Dreyfus, seeks to enhance the support provided to victims and survivors of sexual violence, who too often face additional trauma during legal proceedings.

The review places a significant emphasis on evaluating and potentially reforming consent laws across all states, exploring the possibility of adopting an "affirmative consent" model.

This model encourages explicit communication of consent during sexual activity, creating a more secure and respectful environment for all parties involved.

Simultaneously, the Australian Law Reform Commission will investigate the justice system's response to sexual violence, including police procedures and court processes.

The overarching goal is to address the emotional toll experienced by victim survivors, with a broader focus on justice approaches beyond the adversarial court system.

CAV Wangaratta chief executive officer, Jaime Chubb, said the importance of these reforms can’t be understated.

"Our commitment to comprehensive justice system reforms is unwavering; we advocate for the national adoption of affirmative consent laws and promoting victim-centred approaches in the legal process," she said.

“We need collaboration with stakeholders such as CAV for an effective response, and a strong call for transparency and accountability in addressing systemic issues.

"As we embark on these critical reforms, we envision a justice system that not only holds perpetrators accountable but also provides unwavering support to victim survivors on their journey to healing.

“Together, our collective efforts will build a safer and more compassionate society.

“At CAV we have highly trained and supportive practitioners who are available to provide support, advocacy, and information to anyone in the Ovens Murray area needing support due to sexual assault.”

Key considerations of the review include the potential for national alignment of consent laws, addressing current variations between states and territories.

Already implemented in some states like NSW, Victoria, and the ACT, affirmative consent laws may become standardised across the country.

If you or someone you know needs help, you can reach out via CAV’s website www.centreagainstviolence.org.au or call on 03 5722 2203.

If you need after hours support, call the Sexual Assault Crisis Line (SACL): 1800 806 292.

The review is expected to conclude with the submission of a report to Federal Attorney-General Mark Dreyfus by January 2025.

CAV encourages the community to support these vital initiatives for a safer and more compassionate justice system.