New facilities to help empower domestic violence complainants and other vulnerable witnesses in court have been installed at Goulburn and Moss Vale courthouses.
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Member for Goulburn Wendy Tuckerman MP said the projects were delivered as part of a $9 million Commonwealth COVID-19 stimulus funding package.
The upgrades included:
Goulburn Courthouse
- An upgraded safe room
- Improved lighting
- A new television
- Upgraded kitchenette facilities
- Acoustic works
- Secure access doors
Moss Vale Courthouse
- An upgraded safe room
- Acoustic works
- Secure access doors.
"These new facilities will give vulnerable witnesses private, secure areas to prepare for court and to providevtestimony," Mrs Tuckerman said.
"Having to potentially face your abuser, or their family members, in open court can exacerbate the stress of coming to testify, which is why these safe and remote facilities are so valuable.
Attorney General and Minister for Prevention of Domestic and Sexual Violence Mark Speakman said these facilities meant vulnerable people would feel safer when coming to court.
"Victim-survivors of domestic, family and sexual violence have commonly been through serious trauma and coming to court can be an understandably stressful experience," Mr Speakman said.
"Our government is committed to supporting victim-survivors if they choose to report to police, and we want them to know that these discrete facilities are available to support them and to help alleviate the trauma of testifying when they come to court."
As part of a suite of reforms passed last November, complainants in domestic violence criminal proceedings and related apprehended domestic violence order proceedings now have a prima facie entitlement to give evidence remotely via AVL and in a closed court.
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For confidential advice, support and referrals, contact:
- 1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732)
- The NSW Domestic Violence Line (1800 65 64 63)
- NSW Rape Crisis (1800 424 017)
- Men's Referral Service (1300 766491).
- In an emergency, call Triple Zero (000).
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