'It's diabolical': Hopes court reform blueprint will ease victim trauma
For victims of family violence, delays in the court process can add another layer of trauma. They are calling for immediate action on a new reform blueprint.
Tasmania's court system is grappling with some of the nation's longest delays, causing significant trauma for victims of family violence, according to a new report. The government has committed to addressing 19 out of 20 recommendations in the report, which aimed to reduce the backlog and improve the justice system. One victim, Mary, has been waiting for nearly two years for her family violence charges to be processed through the courts, with no clear resolution in sight.
She described the situation as "diabolical," emphasizing the frustration and helplessness she feels. Across Tasmania, victims are left in the dark as criminal charges take years to resolve. The report, compiled by barrister Lloyd Babb SC, reveals that matters average 14 hearings before being resolved in the Tasmanian Supreme Court, a 30% increase from a decade ago.
Senior Tasmanian lawyers and family violence support groups have called for immediate action, citing the inefficient and dysfunctional nature of the system. Engender Equality, an organization supporting victims, highlighted the need for the court system to cater to the best interests of victims, as current practices often cause additional trauma.
The Tasmanian government has agreed to implement 19 of the 20 recommended changes, including IT improvements and incentives for early guilty pleas, with implementation set to begin immediately.
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