Sexual Assault

• NSW affirmative consent laws unlikely to make a real difference

  25th May 2021

  The affirmative consent laws announced by the NSW Government today are unlikely to make a real difference to the victim’s experience in a criminal sexual assault trial, says the Australian Lawyers Alliance (ALA).

• Intentional torts and certificates of assessment under the Wrongs Act

  21st Mar 2019

  Angela Sdrinis explores the effects of the Wrongs Act 1958 (Vic) on victims of sexual assault seeking to claim pain and suffering damages, with a particular focus on the recent case of Thompson v State of Victoria [2019] VCC 166.

• Can confidential medical records be subpoenaed in sexual assault claims?

  31st May 2018

  Angela Sdrinis discusses a recent Victorian case that will be of particular interest to abuse lawyers, exploring the question of whether medical records which contain confidential communications can be subpoenaed in matters of sexual assault.

• The Urogynaecological Mesh scandal

  7th Sep 2017

  Approximately 50% of women who have had children will suffer some degree of pelvic organ prolapse. For thousands of those women, urogynaecological surgical mesh has been presented as a viable option. It is only recently that public has been made aware of the associated physical and psychological complications. 

• Some traditions need to change: students and sexual abuse

  3rd Aug 2017

  AHRC released a report on sexual assault and harassment of university students. The report details disturbing instances of sexual assault and harassment.