NCJ Number
90213
Date Published
1982
Length
43 pages
Annotation
This paper argues for a greater recognition of the limitations of the current methods by which the law and legal processes deal with the plight of sexual assault victims in New South Wales, Australia, and the need for reform is noted in certain areas.
Abstract
The opening section briefly describes the formal, legal, and police procedures which victims of sexual assault must negotiate in New South Wales, followed by a discussion of the nature of the legal information which should be given to victims, the 'intermediaries' with whom victims are likely to come in contact, and the general public. Some of the methods by which such information should be conveyed are outlined, and then differences of perspective are highlighted concerning the information to be given to victims and the role of counselors, health professionals, the police, lawyers, and the victims themselves. Persons dealing with sexual assault victims in the course of case processing hold differing views about the roles of the various persons who perform some function in relation to the victim, the nature of the information to be given victims and 'intermediaries,' what actually happens in practice, and the nature of current law. There is a significant difference of opinion about whether victims and health and welfare personnel should be given simple information or a detailed guide to legal and police procedures. The view of the police that they should be the primary or sole source of legal advice to victims is untenable. The appendixes contain a chart of legal and police procedures; a publication of information to be used in educating professionals, victims, and the community on matters pertaining to sexual assault; and a summary of selected findings from a survey on domestic violence.