Sexual Violence Lived-Experience Expert Advisory Group Expressions of Interest
We recently sought expressions of interest from victims and survivors of sexual violence, and their advocates, to join a lived-experience Expert Advisory Group (EAG).
The Australian Government is committed to placing victims’ and survivors’ views at the centre of work to strengthen justice system responses to sexual violence. The government also recognises that lived experience comes from multiple sources, including from working within the sector and working with clients, and understands that these views must be heard to develop a full understanding of the issues facing victims and survivors and the challenges experienced when engaging with the justice system.
The EAG will inform the upcoming Australian Law Reform Commission (ALRC) 12-month inquiry into justice responses to sexual violence, and advise the government on implementing the ALRC inquiry’s recommendations. As part of its inquiries, it is usual for the ALRC to release public discussion papers and separately consult with key stakeholders, including academic and legal experts, as part of its nation-wide consultations.
The EAG’s first meeting is expected to be held towards the end of 2023. EAG members will take part in quarterly meetings over a 2-year period.
The EAG complements other work under the National Plan to End Violence Against Women and Children 2022-2032 and the Standing Council of Attorneys-General Work Plan to Strengthen Criminal Justice Responses to Sexual Assault 2022-27, which acknowledge that no effective solutions can be developed without the people most affected by them. Victims and survivors, and their advocates, have firsthand knowledge of services, systems and structures that are meant to support them but have sometimes failed them.
The expressions of interest closed on 28 August 2023. We are not able to consider any further applications received after this time.
This expression of interest may bring up strong feelings for some people. Free, confidential support is available via 1800RESPECT (1800 737 732) and Lifeline (13 11 14).