Courthouses at Gosford, Wyong and Woy Woy are among 45 state-wide which have been upgraded with safe spaces and modern facilities to help empower domestic and sexual violence survivors and vulnerable witnesses.
Attorney General Mark Speakman said the now completed works utilised $9M of COVID-19 stimulus funding from the previous Federal Government to deliver new or upgraded safe rooms and remote witness rooms in metropolitan and regional courthouses.
Gosford Court House had major upgrades to its existing safe room and remote witness room including audio visual equipment for the remote witness room, new furniture for both and a kitchenette for the safe room.
Wyong Court House has a new remote witness room and its existing safe room has been refurnished and painted, with new toilet facilities to service both.
Woy Woy Court House has a new safe room and a new remote witness room, including audio visual equipment for giving evidence.
“Retraumatising a complainant does not advance justice,” Speakman said.
“Courts are best assisted to hear and determine matters where witnesses and complainants are supported to present their best evidence, in the interests of the administration of justice.
“These new and upgraded facilities give vulnerable witnesses the private, secure areas they need to prepare for court and to provide evidence.”
Attorney General Mark Speakman
“Under the NSW Government’s domestic violence reforms, complainants in domestic violence criminal proceedings and related apprehended domestic violence order proceedings have a prima facie entitlement to give evidence remotely via audio visual and in a closed court.
“Cross-examination is an important part of the justice process because it safeguards convictions for crimes of sexual and domestic violence by ensuring a fair trial.
“These protections seek to minimise the stress and trauma of giving evidence in court for those witnesses, and empower them to engage with the justice process to deliver their evidence.”
Minister for Women’s Safety and the Prevention of Domestic and Sexual Violence, Natalie Ward, said the prospect of having to face an alleged abuser, or their family members, in open court can re-traumatise and exacerbate the stress of having to testify in court.
“This is about further protecting and minimising the trauma of domestic violence victim-survivors,” she said.
“These new safe rooms and remote witness facilities enhance support for the courageous victims who come forward to report abuse.
“The NSW Government is committed to supporting victim-survivors if they choose to report to police, and it is crucial these facilities are available to support them and help alleviate the trauma of coming to court.”
Safe rooms are rooms within a courthouse which give vulnerable witnesses, such as victim-survivors of domestic and family violence or sexual assault, private and secure areas to prepare for court
Remote witness rooms are linked to the main court room via Audio Visual Link (AVL).
They allow vulnerable witnesses to provide their testimony without having to face perpetrators and/or their supporters in the court room.
Source:
Media release, Nov 1
NSW Government