National rollout of sexual violence legal services pilot now complete

The Albanese Government’s rollout of specialised and trauma-informed sexual violence legal services is now national with the commencement of funding for Victoria’s Justice Navigator pilot program in partnership with the Allan Labor Government.

The nationwide survivor-centred pilot services help victims and survivors of sexual violence navigate the justice system and provide them with more options when seeking justice.

In Victoria’s newly expanded pilot, Victims Legal Service (VLS) will partner with Victoria’s forthcoming Justice Navigator pilot to strengthen referral pathways, including restorative justice pathways, helping victims and survivors understand and exercise their rights and navigate the various support and justice options available to them.

The national pilot program is a key component of the Albanese Government’s initial $21.4 million response to the Australian Law Reform Commission’s landmark report, Safe, Informed, Supported: Reforming Justice Responses to Sexual Violence, which found that the justice system can cause harm and re‑traumatise victims and survivors seeking justice.

The Allan Labor Government has partnered with peak body Sexual Assault Services Victoria to develop the Justice Navigator pilot, which was co-designed with victims and survivors, and experts across government and legal services.

This initiative builds on the Albanese Government’s broader reform agenda under the Standing Council of Attorneys-General Work Plan to Strengthen Criminal Justice Responses to Sexual Assault 2022-27 and is central to improving access to justice for sexual violence victims and survivors, a key priority of the Government’s National Plan to End Violence against Women and Children 2022-2032.

Quotes attributable to the Attorney-General, Hon Michelle Rowland MP:

“Gender-based violence, including sexual violence, continues to have profound and far-reaching impacts on the lives of women, children and the wider Australian community.

“The Albanese Government is committed to improving access to justice for victims and survivors, and ensuring those who use violence against another person are held to account.

“The pilot services help victims and survivors navigate the legal system while also sharing information about potential legal options.

“By working alongside the states and territories, the Government is removing barriers for victims and survivors accessing the justice system.”

Quotes attributable to the Minister for Social Services, Hon Tanya Plibersek MP:

“1 in 5 women and 1 in 16 men have experienced sexual violence. Many of them will tell you that navigating the justice system makes a terrible experience worse. We need to make the police and court systems more responsive and easier to navigate.

“By rolling out these projects nationwide, we’re strengthening access to the justice system for victims and survivors, making sure they get the support they need.

“There’s more work to do, but the nationwide expansion of these pilots along with our record funding for frontline services, making the Leaving Violence Program permanent, thousands of new homes, and programs to help stop violence at the start are making a life changing difference."

Quotes attributable to the Assistant Minister for Social Services and the Prevention of Family Violence, Hon Ged Kearney MP:

"Sexual violence remains unacceptably prevalent and significantly underreported. An important part of addressing this is through removing the barriers to victims and survivors seeking justice.

“Victims and survivors deserve to be supported with dignity and respect at every stage of their journey through the legal system. Access to specialised and trauma-informed legal support can make a profound difference at an incredibly difficult time.

“Expanding these specialist services nationally demonstrates the Albanese Labor Government's genuine commitment to ensuring more victims and survivors have access to the guidance and support they need to navigate the legal system with confidence and care.”

Quotes attributable to Minister for the Prevention of Family Violence Melissa Horne:

“The Justice Navigator pilot will help survivors navigate a complex justice system, breaking down barriers and improving access to the support and outcomes they deserve.

“For many people, justice is the key to rebuilding their lives. Having a trusted guide by their side can make a profound difference to their confidence and wellbeing.”