South Australia expands sexual assault examination access
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In South Australia, trained midwives will now conduct forensic examinations for sexual assault victim-survivors, increasing the number of qualified staff available across the state.
Previously, only 12 government-trained staff, three of whom worked in regional areas, could perform these examinations. Attorney-General Kyam Maher enacted the change in response to a recommendation from the SA Royal Commission into Domestic, Family and Sexual Violence.
The reform aims to reduce wait times for victim-survivors, as quick evidence collection is crucial for both legal proceedings and the well-being of those affected. SA Health stated that delays could occur due to existing patient loads, travel distances, or immediate health needs. Advocates like Abbey Hardie welcomed the change, noting the previous limited staff numbers were inadequate for the state’s size.
Health Minister Blair Boyer explained that midwives will receive 40 hours of training through Yarrow Place, a government sexual assault service. Between 184 and 281 victim-survivors sought forensic testing at Yarrow Place in the last two years. Embolden, a peak body for domestic and family violence services, hopes the reform will reduce travel burdens for regional and remote victim-survivors, pointing to positive results from similar changes in Tasmania.
