New support measures for victims of violence

The Queensland Government wants to introduce a permanent commissioner for victims and a sexual violence review board to protect community members subjected to crime. 

The legislation would help to improve the criminal justice system through victims' eyes, parliament heard on Tuesday.

The independent sexual violence review board will look at potential barriers to reporting sexual violence and any opportunities to improve the investigation and prosecution process.

"These reforms will have an indelible impact on ensuring that the systems we have in place provide the greatest possible support to victims of crime and ensure their voices are heard," acting attorney-general Leanne Linard said during ministerial statements on Tuesday.

"The establishment of a permanent victims commissioner is another important step for Queensland and acknowledging the rights of victims of crime," Ms Linard says.

The Queensland government will ask the incoming commissioner to conduct a review of the Charter of Victim's Rights to see whether additional rights should be added or current rights expanded.

Jon Rouse was appointed the interim victim's commissioner in 2023.

He has so far met with 150 stakeholders from victim support services, criminal justice services, victim-survivors, and family members of deceased victims.

An online survey was also carried out that received responses from 470 community members, including victim-survivors.

The overwhelming response was that most victim-survivors are not aware of the Charter of Victim's Rights.

This stipulates everything a victim is entitled to through the justice system, financial assistance, workers compensation and other rights.

A website to guide victims through their rights will be established by the new commissioner.

The most recent statistics reveal there were at least 10,385 sexual offences in Queensland in 2023, according to police data.

This is a 7 per cent increase from the previous year.

Police also recorded 57,813 assaults in the same year, an 11 per cent rise.

This legislation comes as the government looks to debate and move through a bill on affirmative consent and coercive control on Tuesday.

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