Victorian Labor proposes new penalties for sexual assault and related offenses

The Guardian · September 20, 2026Original source ↗

What happened

Premier Ben Carroll announced pre-election commitments that include increasing the maximum penalty for rape to life imprisonment and creating a new form of manslaughter for cases involving family violence. The reforms aim to prevent victim-survivors from being subjected to humiliation during legal proceedings.

Why it matters

These proposed changes are significant as they address ongoing issues related to violence against women and seek to improve the legal process for victims.

How this story affects people

How does this story affect you if you are a victim-survivor of sexual assault or family violence?

These proposed reforms could significantly change your experience in the legal system by reducing humiliation during proceedings and increasing the penalties for perpetrators. This may provide a greater sense of justice and support for those affected by such crimes.

How does this story affect you if you are a legal professional working with victims of sexual assault?

The reforms could alter the way you approach cases, as new regulations would prevent humiliating questions during trials. This could lead to a more supportive environment for victim-survivors, impacting how you prepare and present cases.

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