Response to Victoria’s review of rape laws

In October 2013, the Victorian Department of Justice released a consultation paper outlining a number of options for reforming laws relating to sexual offences, including creating a new requirement that if an accused person’s defence relies on a belief that the alleged victim had consented, then that belief must be held on reasonable grounds.

The Human Rights Law Centre has expressed support for proposed changes to sexual assault legislation and is urging the Department to consider further changes to ensure adjudication in rape trials is fair, impartial and free from gender stereotyping and discrimination.

Click here for a copy of the HRLC's submission in response to the consultation paper.