Protecting the anonymity of victims of sexual crimes
The Tasmanian Law Reform Institute released its latest report, Protecting the Anonymity of Victims of Sexual Crimes. The paper reviewed section 194K of the Evidence Act 2001 (Tas) which prohibits the publication of information likely to identify the complainant in sexual offence cases, recommending a new statutory regime in which the interests of the complainant, the courts and the principle of open justice are clarified. The report also considered the position of those victims who do not seek the protection of anonymity, recommending that the publication of identifying material be permitted with the consent of the victim if they are over 18 years of age.