Strategy to prevent and address sexual violence, abuse, and harm

While a whole-of-Victorian government strategy is not progressing, the Department of Justice and Community Safety (DJCS) is committed to progressing an extensive reform agenda already underway. This is including improvements to forensic medicine services for victim-survivors, delivery of judicial education, community education, continued funding for vital sexual assault services and further law reforms to ensure women’s safety.

DJCS is working closely with the Department of Families, Fairness and Housing and other partners across government to plan and implement additional reforms. This is including those announced as part of the Strengthening Women’s Safety Package. This includes the Justice Navigator pilot that will assist survivors to navigate support, compensation, justice, and recovery options available to them, and a Landmark Perpetrator Study. Further reforms include strengthened Responsible Service of Alcohol training on identifying and preventing sexual assault, harassment and family violence. These initiatives support and align with the intention of recommendations made by the Victorian Law Reform Commission and Australian Law Reform Commission.