More protections for victims and witnesses

VICTIMS and witnesses in family violence, sexual offence and stalking cases will be better protected after the test for cross-examination is strengthened under the Justice Legislation Amendment (Committals) Bill 2024.

The Bill will also significantly reduce the amount of pre-trial evidence required, ensuring only questioning that is essential to resolving matters early is permitted.

The new laws will prevent child victims, witnesses and those with cognitive impairments from testifying multiple times in family violence cases as well, by allowing them to give pre-recorded video evidence.

The State Government said participants will experience less stress from dealing with lengthy committal hearings after the test for committal is replaced with improved case management processes – where magistrates will focus on identifying issues and the best ways to resolve them at an earlier stage.

The new laws will also allow homicide matters to be heard in the Supreme Court quicker and more efficiently, building on a successful pilot scheme of bypassing committal hearings.

Attorney-General Jaclyn Symes said survivors of sexual offences, stalking and family violence deserve justice, not further trauma.

“These reforms will ease the burden of repeated testimony, helping them move through court proceedings and get on with their lives,” she said.

“Committal proceedings have evolved over time and need updating – that’s why we’re modernising them by streamlining processes and removing the committal test.”

The Government said it will monitor the effectiveness of the proposed new protections and consider further reforms if they’re needed.

Further information is available on the Victorian Legislation website.