NSW launches $4.3 million pilot to provide specialist navigators for sexual assault survivors
New South Wales will spend $4.3 million over two years to deploy eleven justice-system navigators who will guide sexual-assault victim-survivors through police and court processes.
A $4.3 million, two-year trial in New South Wales will place eleven justice-system navigators across the state to help sexual-assault victim-survivors understand police and court procedures and link them to other supports. Navigators can be accessed without first filing a police report and will be employed by various service providers, including Full Stop Australia, which received funding for one specialist in metropolitan Sydney.
Karen Bevan, chief executive of Full Stop Australia, said the program marks a major step forward after years of advocacy. Federal Assistant Minister for Social Services and the Prevention of Family Violence Ged Kearney and NSW Minister for the Prevention of Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Jodie Harrison both emphasized that the trauma-informed approach aims to reduce fear and confusion for survivors. The initiative draws on a similar navigator scheme that has operated in England and Wales since 2007 and is intended to be rolled out in every Australian state and territory.
Why it matters
It provides consistent, trauma-informed help for sexual assault survivors navigating a complex justice system.
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