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Stakeholders’ perceptions of the benefit of introducing an Australian intermediary system for vulnerable witnesses

Research output: Contribution to Journal/MagazineJournal articlepeer-review

Published
  • Martine Powell
  • Phoebe Bowden
  • Michelle Mattison
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<mark>Journal publication date</mark>12/2015
<mark>Journal</mark>Australian and New Zealand Journal of Criminology
Issue number4
Volume48
Number of pages15
Pages (from-to)498-512
Publication StatusPublished
Early online date14/08/14
<mark>Original language</mark>English

Abstract

Vulnerable witnesses (e.g. children and adults with communication impairment) face many barriers to testifying and achieving justice when participating in the criminal justice system. To date, reforms have been implemented in Australia to address these, yet the barriers remain. Several other countries have implemented an intermediary scheme, whereby an independent third party assists vulnerable witnesses to understand the questions and processes encountered during interviews and trials, and helps witnesses to be understood. This study provides a qualitative analysis of stakeholders' (N = 25 professionals) perceptions regarding the potential benefits of implementing an intermediary scheme in Australia. While all participants demonstrated an open-minded attitude to new reform in this area, their perspectives did not support the introduction of an intermediary scheme at this time. Stakeholders highlighted the need for improved use and effectiveness of current measures, and expressed concern about adding further complication to the system.