Kennett's cutbacks deny women justice

Kennett's cutbacks deny women justice

By Margarita Windisch

MELBOURNE — Displaying its callous attitude towards the disadvantaged, the Kennett government is refusing to address violence against women.

In a ruthless effort to cut spending, the Victims Task Force and the Safety and Security Task Force were abolished. The rationale was that other support systems for the victims of crime exist or are being created within various government departments.

Even more alarming was the state government's abolition of the violence against women task force from the Community Council Against Violence. No task force specifically addressing and highlighting the high level of violence against women now exists.

From July 1, the Crimes Compensation Act was replaced by the Victims of Crimes Assistance Act. The changes specifically disadvantage victims of sexual assault, the majority being women.

Under the old act it was possible to claim up to $20,000 compensation from the state for emotional pain and suffering. For many survivors of rape or incest, this was the only way of gaining access to support and represented recognition that a crime had been perpetrated against them.

Under the new act, compensation for emotional pain and suffering has been replaced with a token five counselling sessions. Counselling session coupons can be obtained only after wading through a lengthy — and often traumatic — bureaucratic process with the police force.

From GLW issue 291