Wrap-around support programs for sexual assault victims start in 2025

• Deakin University to consult on and evaluate victim advocacy and integrated response models for sexual assault services
• Victim advocacy service pilot to start in early 2025
• Integrated response to sexual assault program to start mid-2025

Two vital programs to assist, support and empower victim-survivors of sexual assault will be rolled out in Queensland in 2025 thanks to a $4.8 million investment from the Miles Government. 

A trauma-informed victim advocacy service that will support victims of sexual assault and improve their experience navigating the service and criminal justice system will be trialled early next year.

An integrated response to sexual assault service that affords experts to collaborate in an integrated way to deliver culturally safe, trauma-informed support for victims of sexual assault, will start in mid-2025.

The integrated response to sexual assault service will deliver an immediate victim-centric support for victims of sexual assault and the expected long-term benefits include:

• Increased empowerment
• Reduced re-traumatisation
• Bringing perpetrators of sexual violence to account
• Improved long-term outcomes, including healing.

Highly respected Deakin University has been engaged to consult, research and co-design elements of both service models based on their extensive experience in this field.

Consultation will occur with sexual violence practitioners, magistrates, legal professionals, and lived experience consultants.

The project includes consulting people with expertise in gendered violence, criminal justice, and culturally safe practices, as well as First Nations people and migrant women.

Deakin University will inform recommendations about future locations for the two integrated response to sexual assault services.

Both the victim advocacy service and integrated response to sexual assault service are based on recommendations from the second Women’s Safety and Justice Taskforce report: Hear Her Voice.

Quotes attributable to the Attorney-General and Minister for Justice and Minister for the Prevention of Domestic and Family Violence, Yvette D’Ath:

“Dealing with the criminal justice system is one of the most sensitive and emotional times for victim-survivors of sexual violence, and this trial will contribute to their healing process.

“It will provide real-time, one-on-one support from first point of contact to ensure victim-survivors are supported and treated with respect, and they maintain their dignity through the legal process.

“It’s yet another recommendation of the second Women’s Safety and Justice Taskforce report: Hear Her Voice, that we are implementing.

“We know Deakin University possesses a wealth of experience, skill and knowledge of the criminal justice and human service sector, including culturally safe practices and look forward to them delivering the model.”      

ENDS