Making Rights Reality is a program to increase access to the criminal justice system for people who have been sexually assaulted and have a cognitive impairment and/or communication difficulties. The program enhances existing services to provide greater accessibility.
The service provides clients with crisis care, counselling, advocacy, legal information and advice, and support through the justice process, including police investigation, prosecution and crimes compensation processes. Communication support, attendant care or transport is provided as needed to ensure access.
Clients are supported by the South Eastern Centre Against Sexual Assault (SECASA) and the Springvale Monash Legal Service together with communication support and Attendant Care/Support Workers as needed.
The program is assisted by involvement of Victoria Police, the Office of Public Prosecutions and the Office of the Public Advocate.
Adults living in the South Eastern region of Melbourne who have been recently sexually assaulted and have a cognitive impairment and/or communication difficulties are eligible to access the service.
Women with disabilities experience violence at a higher rate, for longer periods, and are less likely to report the abuse, than women without disabilities (Healey, 2008).
Access to the service is through SECASA during business hours or Sexual Assault Crisis Line after hours.
