Criminal Proceedings

“I hope that by speaking today, you absorbed a small amount of light, a small knowing that you can’t be silenced.”

– Chanel Miller (survivor advocate)

For female victims who contact the police, ¼ of investigations result in a charge (ABS, 2017).

In 2018-19, 98% of finalised sexual assault defendants were males (AIHW, 2020).

In 2018-19, a guilty conviction was more common than an acquittal (AIHW, 2020).

Click on the tabs below to understand criminal proceedings

Investigation

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Charges

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G’s perpetrator was charged 4 months after she completed her statement.

S’s perpetrator was charged 2.5 months after she completed her statement.

A’s perpetrator was charged 2 weeks after she completed her statement, as he was already being investigated prior to her statement.

Director of Public Prosecutions

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Court Process

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Plea

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G received a plea deal 3 months after her perpetrator was charged, and declined.

S received a plea deal 9 months after her perpetrator was charged, and declined.

A did not receive a plea deal.

Trial

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G’s trial began 2 years and 2 months after her plea deal.

S’s trial began 12 months after her plea deal.

A’s trial began 6 months after her perpetrator was charged.

Sentencing

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G’s perpetrator was sentenced 11 months after his trial.

S’s perpetrator was found not guilty.

A’s perpetrator was sentenced 6 months after his trial.

Appellate Proceedings

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G’s perpetrator appealed 1 year after his sentencing, which resulted in a re-trial.

A’s perpetrator appealed 6 months after his sentencing, and the appeal was dismissed.

Other Outcomes

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