Specialist approaches to managing sexual assault proceedings: an Integrative Review

<p>CONTENT WARNING: This report contains material that can be confronting and disturbing. We acknowledge that everyone has their own unique life experiences. These experiences can contribute to how the material will impact upon you. If you feel sad or distressed, please be aware that free and confidential support is available 24 hours a day through: </p> <ul> <li>1800 RESPECT, call 1800 737 732 or visit <a href="http://www.1800respect.org.au/" target="_blank">www.1800Respect.org.au</a>     </li> <li>Lifeline, call 13 11 1 or visit <a href="http://www.lifeline.org.au/" target="_blank">www.Lifeline.org.au </a> </li> <li>13YARN, call 13 92 76, this service provides confidential, national, 24/7 support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Crisis Supporters</li> <li>DV Connect Womensline, call 1800 811 811</li> <li>DV Connect Mensline, call 1300 789 978</li> <li>Beyond Blue, call 1300 224 63 </li> <li>If you are, or someone else is, in immediate danger, call 000.  </li> <li>If you are deaf and/or find it hard hearing or speaking with people on the phone, the National Relay Service (NRS) can help. Contact via your preferred <a href="https://www.accesshub.gov.au/about-the-nrs/nrs-helpdesk" target="_blank">option</a> or call 1800 555 660. </li> </ul> <p><br></p> <p>The report addresses two critical issues in the management of sexual assault proceedings that call for specialist approaches: barriers to reporting, and re-traumatising features of the criminal legal process. In undertaking their integrative review of specialist approaches to managing sexual assault proceedings, the authors both canvass current evidence and synthesise best practice measures to support the development of this form of specialisation.</p>