Video recorded evidence pilot supporting victims of DFV

A pilot program designed to better support domestic and family violence (DFV) victims is making a difference on the Gold Coast.

Amendments to the Evidence Act in 2022 allowed for a pilot of the use of police-captured video statements as evidence-in-chief in domestic and family violence-related criminal proceedings.

The pilot framework includes a range of safeguards designed to limit the trauma and protect the privacy of survivors who give evidence in proceedings through police-captured camera footage.

Southport Magistrates Court and Ipswich Magistrates Court have been piloting the use of police captured video statements since September 2022.

Since the pilot began video-recorded evidence has been used in 157 domestic violence-related matters across both pilot locations (Southport and Ipswich).

Quotes attributable to Attorney-General and Minister for the Prevention of Domestic and Family Violence, Shannon Fentiman:

“This pilot is another step in ensuring the justice system is more supportive of victims when they come forward.”

“Allowing police-captured video statements to be used as evidence-in-chief may help to reduce trauma for survivors by avoiding the need for them to tell their story multiple times.”

“A broad range of key stakeholders were consulted and provided input about the pilot program and will continue to be consulted as the trial evolves over its 12 month period.”

“An independent evaluation will consider the impacts on the experiences of survivors as well as fair trial rights of the accused being key components.”

“Southport was the site of the first successful specialist DFV court trial and the new pilot is a continuation of this important work.”

ENDS

Phoenix Campbell – 0439 949 719