If you’ve experienced sexual violence (SV) in Queensland, various supports are available to assist you throughout the court process. These include legal protections, steps taken by the court to help ease the stress of giving evidence, and access to dedicated support services.
Support for people affected by SV in Queensland
A person who has experienced SV may be treated as special witnesses or affected child witnesses under the Evidence Act 1977. This means that steps can be taken to reduce the stress of giving evidence in court. These steps may include:
- pre-recording your evidence on video before the trial or hearing
- giving evidence from a remote witness room
- using a screen in the courtroom so that you can’t see the accused person.
New provisions of the Evidence Act 1977 also require that the court must exclude all persons other than those required to be in the courtroom whilst a complainant in a sexual offence proceeding gives evidence.
In addition, a person impacted by SV may request a support person to be present in the courtroom or remote witness room for the giving of evidence.
Free Support from Protect All Children Today
Protect All Children Today (PACT) offers free support to adults and children with a sexual offence matter before the court. They can also help you apply for financial assistance.
Legal protections and advice
The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) is your main point of contact if you are a complainant or witness in a sexual offence proceeding. You can speak with a representative of the ODPP about applying for protections when giving evidence.
- Phone: 1800 673 428
- Email: DPP.Mailbox@justice.qld.gov.au
Your rights as a victim
Victims of crime have rights under the Charter of Victims’ Rights. If you feel your rights haven’t been respected, you can make a complaint to the Office of the Victims’ Commissioner.
Financial assistance
Victims of violent crime can apply for financial assistance to help with recovery. For more information:
Other support services
The Queensland Government provides information and resources for people impacted by SV. Visit the Sexual abuse and assault: getting help page to find support services.
The Office of the Victims’ Commissioner also offers resources to help adults in Queensland impacted by sexual offences including the Victims’ Pathway, podcasts, and videos.
More information
