Specialist Approaches to Managing Sexual Assault Proceedings

This integrative literature review examines specialist approaches to managing sexual offence proceedings, with a focus on reducing systemic barriers to reporting and minimising re-traumatisation of victim-survivors within the criminal justice system. Commissioned by the Australasian Institute of Judicial Administration and the Commonwealth Attorney-General’s Department, the review was one of the reports underpinning the Australian Law Reform Commission's 2024 Inquiry on Improving the Justice System's Response to Sexual Violence.

Drawing on international and Australian literature across four domains—sexual offence courts and lists, child sexual offence courts, domestic and family violence courts, and specialist prosecution units—the review identifies and evaluates specialist measures designed to respond to victim-survivors’ justice system needs. These needs are conceptualised as requiring trauma-informed justice professionals, effective communication and information, safety and support, and timely resolution of proceedings, alongside more specific needs arising at pre-trial, trial and post-trial stages.

The review synthesises a compendium of best practice measures, including specialist training across justice actors, enhanced victim-survivor support and communication, improved case management and reduced delays, expanded use of evidentiary and procedural protections, and greater consistency in trial practices. It concludes that specialist, trauma-informed models—particularly those adopting a victim-centred problem-solving approach—offer the most comprehensive framework for addressing systemic barriers and improving justice system engagement and outcomes for victim-survivors of sexual violence.