Mrs BRAHAM - 1996-11-28
In August last year, the Chief Minister launched the Northern Territory government's sexual assault policy. I understand that, in keeping with his commitment to continually improve service delivery for sexual assault victims, a new facility has been established at Casuarina. What is the role of that facility?
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ANSWER
Mr Speaker, I am sure that anybody listening to Question Time would agree that sexual assault is a most traumatic experience. For many of the victims, the trauma is compounded by having to attend a police station to give statements and then be taken to a separate centre to see counsellors and a doctor. My government has opened a new facility which it hopes will provide a more secure and comfortable environment in which to take statements from victims and ensure that they are sensitively looked after by police and support services. I compliment the Northern Territory police sexual assault unit and Territory Health Services for getting what we call a `soft' interview room facility up and running. They have ensured that the facility, which is located near the Sexual Assault Referral Centre, is as user-friendly as possible. From now on, when a sexual assault is reported, victims will be taken straight to the special premises in Casuarina to be interviewed. The facility has a relaxed environment and has
separate bedrooms for victims who need to rest.
The police sexual offences unit was established in July 1995 to provide a service which is not traumatic to the victims of sexual assault. Since its establishment, the unit has established close liaison with the Sexual Assault Centre, the Director of Public Prosecutions' victim support coordinator and other government departments to ensure a coordinated approach to victims of sexual assault, including children. Detectives have taken part in a specialised sexual assault course, coordinated by the Northern Territory Police, Fire and Emergency Service College, which includes lectures from sexual assault centres and victim groups. We can probably never soften the experience of having been subjected to a sexual assault but, at the very least, the government can play its role and try to ensure that the victims are dealt with in the most sympathetic and helpful way.
Page 1862
Page 1861
ANSWER
Mr Speaker, I am sure that anybody listening to Question Time would agree that sexual assault is a most traumatic experience. For many of the victims, the trauma is compounded by having to attend a police station to give statements and then be taken to a separate centre to see counsellors and a doctor. My government has opened a new facility which it hopes will provide a more secure and comfortable environment in which to take statements from victims and ensure that they are sensitively looked after by police and support services. I compliment the Northern Territory police sexual assault unit and Territory Health Services for getting what we call a `soft' interview room facility up and running. They have ensured that the facility, which is located near the Sexual Assault Referral Centre, is as user-friendly as possible. From now on, when a sexual assault is reported, victims will be taken straight to the special premises in Casuarina to be interviewed. The facility has a relaxed environment and has
separate bedrooms for victims who need to rest.
The police sexual offences unit was established in July 1995 to provide a service which is not traumatic to the victims of sexual assault. Since its establishment, the unit has established close liaison with the Sexual Assault Centre, the Director of Public Prosecutions' victim support coordinator and other government departments to ensure a coordinated approach to victims of sexual assault, including children. Detectives have taken part in a specialised sexual assault course, coordinated by the Northern Territory Police, Fire and Emergency Service College, which includes lectures from sexual assault centres and victim groups. We can probably never soften the experience of having been subjected to a sexual assault but, at the very least, the government can play its role and try to ensure that the victims are dealt with in the most sympathetic and helpful way.
Page 1862
Last updated: 09 Aug 2016