Activity details
Undertaking a comprehensive national review and comparative analysis of criminal law frameworks, including definitions, offences, and defences, relating to sex assault and child sexual abuse.
This activity is part of a broader activity to embed trauma-informed and culturally safe response models to support victim-survivors through the family court and justice systems.
Implementation progress update
The Australian Institute of Criminology (AIC) conducted a national review of sexual assault and child sexual abuse legislation.
This identified the impact of any substantive inconsistencies between legal frameworks and whether there were gaps in the conduct criminalised in each jurisdiction, and explored best-practice approaches.
Between March and May 2023, the AIC invited victims and survivors of sexual assault and child sexual abuse to share their experiences with the criminal justice system in Australia. Submissions to the AIC closed on 31 May 2023.
The report was finalised and published in 2024. The final report can be accessed on the Australian Institute of Criminology's website. For more information, including the report, see National review of child sexual abuse and sexual assault legislation in Australia.
More information
- Learn about the National Plan to End Violence against women and children 2022-2032.
- Read the First Action Plan 2023-2027.
- Browse the First Action Plan 2023-2027 Activities Addendum update.