Debbie's Law: Is to support women pre-trial for DA and SA


Debbie's Law: Is to support women pre-trial for DA and SA
The Issue
Key Provision for Debbie’s Law:
"No woman or girl shall be forced or compelled to give evidence or testify in civil or family courts concerning an indictable offence when there is a known criminal hearing or trial scheduled for the same offence. If the presiding judge is fully informed of the pending criminal case it will be made Unlawful for a Woman to be forced to take the stand for indictable offences with in the civil court.
Additional Support and Safeguards for the Last Three Months Prior to Trial:
"During the final three months leading up to a criminal trial, a specialised, independent support team shall be established to provide trauma-informed mental health and emotional support to survivors. This support aims to preserve the integrity of evidence, which may be compromised if support or legal processes are prematurely withdrawn."
"The support team shall be an independent body, and shall provide the following services:
Continuous mental health and emotional support through regular check-ins and counselling.
Safety planning and risk assessment to protect survivors from potential threats or retraumatisation.
Court preparation and coping strategies to help survivors navigate the final stages of the legal process confidently and safely."
"This specialised support system shall operate independently of Criminal proceedings to ensure that evidence remains intact and that survivors receive ongoing, trauma-informed assistance during this critical period."
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The Issue
Key Provision for Debbie’s Law:
"No woman or girl shall be forced or compelled to give evidence or testify in civil or family courts concerning an indictable offence when there is a known criminal hearing or trial scheduled for the same offence. If the presiding judge is fully informed of the pending criminal case it will be made Unlawful for a Woman to be forced to take the stand for indictable offences with in the civil court.
Additional Support and Safeguards for the Last Three Months Prior to Trial:
"During the final three months leading up to a criminal trial, a specialised, independent support team shall be established to provide trauma-informed mental health and emotional support to survivors. This support aims to preserve the integrity of evidence, which may be compromised if support or legal processes are prematurely withdrawn."
"The support team shall be an independent body, and shall provide the following services:
Continuous mental health and emotional support through regular check-ins and counselling.
Safety planning and risk assessment to protect survivors from potential threats or retraumatisation.
Court preparation and coping strategies to help survivors navigate the final stages of the legal process confidently and safely."
"This specialised support system shall operate independently of Criminal proceedings to ensure that evidence remains intact and that survivors receive ongoing, trauma-informed assistance during this critical period."
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The Decision Makers
Petition created on 17 July 2025