Activity details
Office of Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) Prosecution Guidelines are being updated to include guidelines and protocols to facilitate best practice for working with victims of domestic, family and sexual violence (DFSV).
Implementation progress update
A review of the ODPP Prosecution Guidelines commenced in late 2024 and will be finalised imminently. This includes a guideline on working with victims of crime. The Office has also recently commenced a project to develop a best practice manual for working with victims of crime. This will include a review of the protocol for working with victims of DFSV and a policy for working with children and young people.
The Witness Assistance Team manual was finalised in August 2024 and is currently being reviewed and updated. This clearly outlines the role and responsibilities of Witness Assistance Officers (WAOs) when working with victims of DFSV, and with children. This includes assessing any supports needed to assist the person to participate in the prosecution process and to manage the impact of offending, as well as the process in circumstances where a WAO has safety or wellbeing concern for victims of DFSV or their dependents.
The ODPP Solicitors’ Manual was finalised in September 2024. It is currently being reviewed and updated to include the expectation that solicitors meet with victims of sex offence matters for the purpose of providing information about the prosecution process and the expected pathway.
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.