March 2010
Members were given a very interesting talk by the Coordinator of the Remote Witness Protection Program linked to the Melbourne Magistrates Court. The service was commenced in 1989 to allow children under the age of 18 to give evidence in seclusion. It started in one room providing one or two sessions each week. Now there is a staff of six, with eight remote court areas and others which are coordinated with the Melbourne Court. The program is now not age specific and anyone can use the remote facility. Psychologists, counsellors and social workers are also available. The area has TV and DVD to keep the witnesses occupied while waiting to testify.
The facility is in a secured area in the Magistrates Court linked to 11 Court rooms so that victims are removed from the trauma of giving face-to-face evidence in cases of rape, assault or domestic violence and stalking which has become an indictable offence. When these rooms are being used the court is closed to the public.
75% of sexual assaults are heard at the Magistrates Court. The workers, as well as being trained in counselling, are also trained to be responsive to cultural differences and individual needs.
If you would like to find out more about this program contact us at the Ringwood or Croydon office.
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