Additional support for sexual violence victim-survivors in court

The Victims Legal Service (VLS) is expanding from 1 March 2024 to provide additional support to victim-survivors of sexual violence.

In a federal government funded pilot program, the VLS will provide legal information, advice and representation to victim-survivors seeking to protect their confidential communications and health information, such as medical or counselling records, in court.

As part of the expansion, in partnership with Djirra, the VLS will also provide support to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander victim-survivors seeking to report sexual assault.

Victoria Legal Aid (VLA), Women’s Legal Service Victoria (Women’s Legal) and Djirra are working in partnership to deliver these expanded services in Victoria.

Assisting victims to understand their rights

Confidential communications can include information a victim-survivor has shared with a medical practitioner or counsellor.

In July 2023, new laws came into effect to strengthen the protections around confidential communications and health information being disclosed in a court proceeding.

‘We know that the prospect of private health information being shared in a court proceeding can cause further trauma to a victim-survivor of sexual assault,’ said Victoria Legal Aid Civil Justice Director, Lucy Adams.

‘The expanded VLS will help victim-survivors understand their rights and options as they navigate the criminal justice system.'

VLA and Women’s Legal will provide legal assistance to eligible victim-survivors. This could include providing support and representation to someone who wishes to appear in court to oppose a confidential communications application or helping them to prepare a confidential statement to be read by the judge.

’We all deserve to live free from violence but right now, sexual assault victims-survivors face considerable barriers to accessing the justice system and perpetrators are rarely held to account,’ said Women’s Legal’s Legal Director Jess de Vries.

‘We hope delivering this service will help change this story.’

Supporting the safety of First Nations women

The expanded service will also support Djirra’s capacity to continue to provide trauma-informed and culturally safe support to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women who have experienced sexual assault.

‘Djirra’s Aboriginal led, culturally safe, holistic service supports the strengths, wellbeing and safety of Aboriginal women. As part of the Victims Legal Service, Djirra will continue to support women who wish to report their sexual assault to do so in a safe and trauma-informed way,’ said Djirra CEO Antoinette Braybrook AM.

Djirra will also assist VLA and Women’s Legal in confidential communications matters that involve First Nations clients.

Information for victim-survivors

Read more information about the Victims Legal Service, including the pilot program protecting confidential communications.

Contact the Victims Legal Service Helpline on 1800 531 566.

Information for practitioners

A new VLA guideline has been created for panel practitioners to apply for grants of aid to deliver legal services for confidential communication matters.

Find the guideline and guidance material on the VLA Handbook for lawyers.

You can also refer clients to the Victims Legal Service by making a warm referral to the VLS Helpline.