The Prosecutor Conferencing Initiative will eventually be rolled out to courts across NSW, has commenced at Waverley Local Court on 16 September 2013 and will commence at Downing Centre Local Court in late 2013.
Under the Initiative, Police Domestic Violence Liaison Officers and WDVCAS staff members will identify victims with matters proceeding to a defended hearing and invite them to attend a pre-hearing meeting with Prosecutors. The Initiative will enable Prosecutors to better prepare by providing sufficient time to meet with victims as a group, as well as individually, where required prior to the hearing date. The Initiative is aimed at improving Prosecutor preparation and improving victim satisfaction and the quality of evidence provided to the court. The Initiative also aims to improve court outcomes for victims of domestic violence.
