3 Jul 2019

Court cases to get easier for sexual abuse survivors

From Morning Report, 6:45 am on 3 July 2019

The Criminal Bar Association is welcoming plans to make court cases less testing for complainants in sexual assault cases.

The government plans law changes to reduce the risk of victims being retraumatised by court processes.

They include tightening rules around evidence about a complainant's sexual history, letting them give evidence without having to be in the courtroom and giving judges clearer guidance on when they can intervene to stop inappropriate questioning by defence lawyers.

Len Andersen from the Criminal Bar Association told RNZ reporter Jordan Bond victims should be spared trauma, but it is not always a black and white matter.