The Women’s Legal Centre ACT and Victim Support ACT welcome yesterday's announcement by the Albanese Government extending and expanding the Sexual Violence Legal Services (SVLS) pilots, including continued delivery of the ACT pilot through to 2027–28.
The ACT SVLS pilot – a partnership between the Women’s Legal Centre ACT and Victim Support ACT – has become a nationally recognised model, combining independent legal advice, victim advocacy and trauma-informed support to help victim/survivors access and navigate the justice system.
With sexual violence reports continuing to rise, demand for the ACT service has exceeded capacity since its first weeks of operation.
While today’s announcement is a significant step forward, both organisations emphasise that justice responses to sexual violence must continue to be strengthened so that victims and survivors have real choices, including a meaningful pathway through the criminal justice system.
Independent legal representation is critical
Sexual violence remains one of the most under-reported and least successfully prosecuted crimes in Australia. The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) reported a 31-year high in recorded sexual assaults in 2024. In the ACT alone, 428 sexual assaults were recorded. The Australian Law Reform Commission (ALRC) report on justice responses to sexual violence shows that 92% of women do not report sexual assault, with most reports that are made not progressing to a charge.
The Women’s Legal Centre ACT and Victim Support ACT stress that while alternative and restorative justice avenues are valuable and should be expanded, systemic reform of the criminal justice system must continue so that victims and survivors are genuinely supported, whichever justice pathway they choose.
Quotes attributable to Elena Rosenman, CEO, Women’s Legal Centre ACT
“We welcome the extension of the ACT Sexual Violence Legal Service pilot. Every day we see how independent legal advice, advocacy and trauma-informed support can change people’s experience of the criminal justice system. Our service has operated at full capacity since July 2024, because the demand is enormous and unmet. Without this announcement, we would have been forced to reduce our operations rather than sustain and increase the support we are providing.”
“Responses to sexual violence must be led by the people who have experienced it. Many of our clients seek accountability through the criminal justice system, and they deserve a process that is safe, fair and responsive. Independent legal representation gives victim and survivors clarity and protection—even when the outcome isn’t what they hoped for. It is safety. It is trust. It is empowerment.”
“We are supportive of developing alternative justice models, but we cannot lose our resolve to meaningfully improve criminal justice responses. Victim and survivors deserve real choice, and that requires a justice system they can rely on.”
“Integrated services are better services. Our partnership with Victim Support ACT means people receive holistic support for all the legal and practical issues that arise after sexual violence.”
“This extension recognises the importance of independent legal representation for people subjected to sexual violence. The criminal justice system can be confusing, slow and traumatising. Having a dedicated legal expert in your corner can be the difference between staying engaged or walking away.”
“Independent legal advice doesn’t just support people subjected to sexual violence; it contributes to a fair trial for all participants. Clear information, strong advocacy and trauma-informed practice improve justice outcomes across the board.”
Quotes attributable to Margie Rowe, Acting Victims of Crime Commissioner, ACT Human Rights Commission
“Since opening in early 2024, the SVLS has been a very successful partnership between Women’s Legal Centre ACT and Victim Support ACT, providing free, independent legal advice, advocacy and representation to women, trans and gender diverse people, and children who have been subjected to sexual violence in the ACT.”
“This funding boost means we will be able to continue to break grounds in Canberra providing an integrated, wraparound and holistic support to victims and survivors of sexual violence.”
“This includes support to navigate and engage with justice agencies, justice advocacy, court support, safety planning, referrals for therapeutic supports, access to financial assistance and referrals to other specialist services.”
“This demonstrates the clear need in Canberra for the tailored and specialised support provided by our expert lawyers and victim advocates.
“Victims and survivors should always be supported to make decisions that align with their own goals. Whether that involves reporting to police, pursuing court-based outcomes or engaging with restorative processes. Today’s funding helps ensure they are not navigating these choices alone.”
SVLS demand and impact in the ACT
In the past year, the SVLS has delivered:
* 202 clients supported
* 207 legal advices
* 65 legal tasks
* 135 ongoing legal matters, including in relation to reporting to police, pre-trial processes, entitlements and protections as witnesses, providing Victim Impact Statements and protection orders.
Media Contact:
Women’s Legal Centre ACT — Vanessa Frida | 0482 527 819 | comms@wlc.org.au
ACT Human Rights Commission — Christine Kearney I 0466 861 451| humanrightsmedia@act.gov.au