Report into sexual violence responses shows ACT victim-survivors deserve better

The report, which has been worked on for eight months, is a very sobering read.

It highlights the fact many survivors of sexual violence do not report their matter to police or go through the courts, as they face "harmful and hurtful" experiences of delay and poor communication.

It's shocking, but sadly unsurprising, that people feel disbelieved and disrespected when they seek support or justice.

This disrespect can even retraumatise people. Victims shouldn't feel retraumatised when they seek help, they should feel supported.

Deputy Chief Minister Yvette Berry spoke about how the March 4 Justice at Parliament House earlier this year provided a catalyst for this change.

But it's crucial that this work does not fall by the wayside.

The momentum that has built up this year needs to continue.

The ACT established a Sexual Assault Reform Program 16 years ago after a report from ACT Policing and the Office of Public Prosecutions made 105 recommendations to reform how sexual assault cases were handled.

However, prior to this year, the program had not been evaluated since 2012 and regular meetings had stopped.

Perhaps it's no coincidence that sexual assault prosecutions have been "disturbingly low" in recent years - dropping by more than half over a five-year period.

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But this report also highlights, quite rightly, that reforms need to extend beyond the criminal justice system.

It starts with community attitudes and, unfortunately, that is something that can't be reformed overnight.

It's also very important there is targeted education directed at men, who are mostly the perpetrators of sexual violence, about their responsibilities.

For too long, the onus has been on educating women on how to avoid sexual assault.

Victim-survivors in the ACT deserve consistent support, they should know that the governments and agencies supporting them are continually working to improve responses, not only when the conversation warrants it.

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