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In response to the recommendations from the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse, the federal government has announced a new internet resource that intends to keep the needs of victims in mind when prosecuting crimes against vulnerable people.
The new Victims and Witnesses website, which has been developed by the Commonwealth director of public prosecutions, in consultation with victims, witnesses, non-government organisations, and prosecutors, aims to “demystify” the prosecution process and “uses plain English and simple graphics that can be instantly translated into more than 100 different languages”, the Attorney-General’s department said in a statement.
“While the CDPP has provided specific information for victims and witnesses on its website for a number of years, in response to the recommendations of the royal commission, it undertook a formal review of this material and how it was presented. Today’s launch is the culmination of this research,” it explained.
The site’s funding will be $2.5 million over four years from 2018–19 and $0.7 million per year ongoing.
Launching the site, Attorney-General Christian Porter said the service highlights the need to keep the needs of victims in mind when prosecuting crimes against vulnerable people.
“An important dimension of the prosecution work the CDPP does is treating victims and witnesses of crime with courtesy, compassion, cultural sensitivity and respect. Victims of crime, particularly sexual abuse, need every support possible to help them through the prosecution process to ensure the justice system does not compound the trauma of the original crime,” he said.
“This site demonstrates the ongoing commitment of the Morrison government to those who have been affected by crime, providing clear and easy to understand advice about what can be an intimidating and difficult process.”
Jerome Doraisamy is the managing editor of Lawyers Weekly and HR Leader. He is also the author of The Wellness Doctrines book series, an admitted solicitor in New South Wales, and a board director of the Minds Count Foundation.
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Jerome Doraisamy
