'Rape myths' at forefront of jury decisions in Australia, experts say

"There is a sense of entitlement and privilege" Professor Catharine Lumby said of Australia's judicial system. Picture by Marina Neil

Australia needs trauma-informed legal change for sexual assault court hearings, a Newcastle has panel said.

Discussion between four experts from the University of Sydney, Victim Support VOCAL Hunter, the University of NSW (UNSW) and Hunter Street Chambers revealed the current adversarial system, particularly the role of juries, can re-traumatise survivors and cause incorrect witness accounts.