Trigger Warning: Sexual violence and Assault
The sexual violence legislation is currently at it’s select commitee stage, having passed its first reading last year. The Bill carried by Green party MP Jan Logie, hopes to lessen the trauma experienced by victims and survivors within the justice system. This includes the protecting victims from unnecessary questions, and empower Judges to adress consent/rape myths, and pre-recording of cross-examination to reduce the trauma
The 2014 New Zealand Crime and Safety Survey indicated that 15 percent of New Zealanders have experienced sexual violence in their lifetimes. Research indicates sexual offending is subject to low rates of reporting to police and relatively low conviction rate.
The Law Society broadly supports the bill’s changes to the way victim impact statements are presented to the court however has recommended some changes:
Sherry begins by asking nz law society spokesperson and crown prosecutor Chris Macklin to summarise the changes the bill is asking for.
If anyone is interested: Sherry akso spoke to Law professor Elisabeth Mcdonald to discuss her research into perpetuation of rape myths in court, and how structures are set up to uphold these. Auckland Womans Centre Leonie Morris is in support of the bill: and responds to some of the criticisms brought up by NZ Law society in regards to the funding and pre-recording of evidence.
People to reach out to:
Safe to talk: 0800 044 334
Auckland Women’s centre: 09-376 3227
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