Abusers no longer able to grill victims

Legislation has passed federal parliament to stop domestic violence abusers from cross-examining their victims in court.

Domestic violence perpetrators will no longer be able to cross-examine their victims in court.

Legislation passed federal parliament on Wednesday, with cabinet minister Michaelia Cash confirming the government would give $7 million to legal aid to represent those affected by the bill.

The bill bans people who have been accused of violence against their partners from cross-examining them, making it a requirement for them to have a lawyer to instead conduct the questioning.

Screens and video links can also be used in court to protect alleged victims.

"This bill will improve the justice system's ability to support vulnerable witnesses by requiring the use of protections in family law proceedings that involve allegations of family violence," Senator Cash told parliament.

There are almost 100 family law court matters each year in which domestic violence has been alleged and an unrepresented person has been cross-examined by their former partner.

National Legal Aid said the $7 million in new funding for legal aid lawyers, who assist those that would otherwise not be able to afford representation, will be enough to grapple with the issue.

"This funding for new cross-examination procedures will help protect vulnerable individuals in court disputes, while also ensuring due process occurs in these legal matters," spokeswoman Gabrielle Canny said.


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Source: AAP



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