Canberra Rape Crisis Centre, Legal Information


Deciding The Charge The police, in conjunction with the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), will decide if there is enough evidence to proceed with charges. When they decide to proceed the police will lay charges against the person who committed the assault who is then referred to as the 'defendant' and the survivor becomes the 'chief witness'. If the offence falls into the category of "acts of indecency", the matter may be dealt with in the Magistrates Court. If the offence falls into the category of 'sexual assault' then the matter will proceed to a committal hearing in the Magistrate's Court. The SACAT member will keep you informed of proceedings. The court process is seen by many women as intimidating and alienating. Talking with a support worker can relieve some anxiety. To Previous Page Page Last Updated 31/5/2001 © 2001 Canberra Rape Crisis Centre Best viewed in Microsoft Explorer 4 or Netscape 4

Deciding The Charge

The police, in conjunction with the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), will decide if there is enough evidence to proceed with charges. When they decide to proceed the police will lay charges against the person who committed the assault who is then referred to as the 'defendant' and the survivor becomes the 'chief witness'.

If the offence falls into the category of "acts of indecency", the matter may be dealt with in the Magistrates Court. If the offence falls into the category of 'sexual assault' then the matter will proceed to a committal hearing in the Magistrate's Court. The SACAT member will keep you informed of proceedings. The court process is seen by many women as intimidating and alienating. Talking with a support worker can relieve some anxiety.

To Previous Page

Page Last Updated 31/5/2001
© 2001 Canberra Rape Crisis Centre
Best viewed in Microsoft Explorer 4 or Netscape 4