The federal and New South Wales governments have announced a $5 million package to fund specialist sexual violence justice system navigators and other initiatives aimed at helping victim-survivors navigate the justice system.
The funding package includes $1.55 million for the Sexual Violence Community Justice System Navigators Pilot in up to five locations across New South Wales. Specialist workers will support victim-survivors navigate the complex justice system by providing crucial information about their rights and options throughout the process.
As part of the package, $1.35 million will go towards embedding specialist sexual violence navigators in up to four Women’s Domestic Violence Court Advocacy Service and NSW Police co-location program sites. This is aimed at providing support for victim-survivors in family violence contexts.
The NSW state and federal governments will also provide $1.7 million to support the capacity of Legal Aid NSW to ensure the organisation can provide specialist legal advice to victim-survivors before they make a criminal complaint.
Also included in the package is just over $200,000 to go towards workforce development for the new and existing navigator workforce, and $180,000 towards restorative justice research.
The package comes in response to the Australian Law Reform Commission’s 2025 report that found the justice system is currently failing people who have experienced sexual assault.
The ALRC says that with one in five women and one in 16 men experiencing sexual violence since the age of 15, fewer than one in 10 such incidents are reported to police.
From there, 75 to 85 per cent of such reports do not proceed to charges, and even fewer go to court.
The ALRC outlined a roadmap for fixing the justice system, including 64 recommendations for meeting the twin goals of access to justice and accountability.
The Albanese Government previously announced a $21.4 million package, including $19.6 million to pilot specialised, trauma-informed sexual assault legal services in every state and territory.
On Tuesday, NSW Women’s Safety Commissioner Hannah Tonkin said every victim-survivor of sexual violence deserves clear information, trauma informed assistance, and a system that responds with compassion and consistency.
“This investment will help remove barriers, strengthen pathways to justice, and give victim survivors more confidence that they will be heard, believed and supported at every stage,” Tonkin said.
Ged Kearney, federal Assistant Minister for Social Services and the Prevention of Family Violence, said Sexual violence remains a serious and deeply concerning issue.
“Too many victim-survivors do not report sexual violence,” Kearney said.
“Strengthening trauma-informed legal and support services is essential to building a system that’s compassionate, safe and that people trust.”
The NSW government says it is working to make sure victim-survivors of sexual violence are supported when they decide to report an assault.
“This includes being provided with clear information and support to navigate what can be a really complex legal system during an incredibly difficult time,” said Jodie Harrison, NSW Minister for the Prevention of Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault.
“The pilot programs will make sure specialist workers are in support services and work alongside police and legal services so victim-survivors can access practical guidance and advice, understand their options and receive support at every stage of the legal process.”
If you or someone you know are in immediate danger, call 000.
If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic and family violence, call the NSW Domestic Violence Line on 1800 65 64 63 for free counselling and referrals, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
For confidential advice, support, and referrals, contact 1800 RESPECT or 13 YARN.
For information on Men’s Behaviour Change Programs operating in your local area, contact the Men’s Referral Service on 1300 766 491.