Managing Sexual Assault Hearings – Part II – October 2026

The Managing Sexual Assault Hearings – Part II (the Program) has been designed and developed to recognise the critical role of judicial officers in shaping fair and informed decisions. Sexual assault and indecent assault matters are often difficult, challenging and complex. Cases often involve only a complainant and an accused, intoxicants are commonly involved, with missing pieces of memory, and evidence involves intimate behaviour and how human beings behave.

Much work still needs to be done, across all Australian States and Territories.  That is why MSAH – Part 2 is important.  Judges and magistrates sometimes struggle with sexual assault and indecent assault cases, particularly during the evidence of complainants. Myths, stereotypes and misconceptions about consent and sexual assault continue with outdated ideas that run the risk of denying substantive equality to vulnerable people who may be re-victimised by the trial and court process, whether they be the complainant or the accused.  That can lead to miscarriages of justice, which in turn, erodes confidence in the Australian justice system.

The good news is that judicial officers now have a deeper understanding of the harm complainants may experience in sexual and indecent assault matters, the experience of complainants and defendants, the economic and emotional costs and the ripple effects such matters have on families and children. 

This Program will take participants on a deeper dive into the social context, awareness, and court craft skills required to ensure a fair trial.

This Program will cover:

• Avoiding harmful misconceptions, myths and stereotypes – recognising and mitigating the impact of social and cognitive biases, and so-called common-sense reasoning when judging sexual assault and indecent assault matters
• Expressing reasons thoughtfully – understanding the challenges and opportunities to promote fairness by deploying trauma informed language in cases involving vulnerable complainants.
• Structuring sentencing decisions – exploring how to frame both oral and written reasons and sentencing effectively, and using trauma informed principles

With the exception of course of some, trial judges in Australia are not performing any sort of gatekeeping role, and this program seeks, through judicial leadership, to initiate such change.

It is FREE to registration for this program. Accommodation and travel are NOT included.