Get changes to NT sex offences suppression laws right! 

The NT government is proposing changes to sexual offence suppression laws that could allow people accused of sexual offences to be publicly named earlier in court proceedings.

We support reform, but we must get these laws right.

Reform needs to ensure victim-survivors have the right to speak publicly about their experiences, including choosing when, how and with whom they share their stories. 

But we must also ensure laws protect those who don't want their stories made public. Victim-survivors of sex crimes have already lost their right to choose; the law cannot take their power away too.

In the Northern Territory's small and closely connected communities, naming an accused person can easily identify a victim-survivor, even without publishing their name.

For children, that exposure can follow them for life. We need to protect children's right to grow up without their trauma on the front page of the NT News. We also say that for those who have lost a loved one to sexual violence, the courts must take family wishes into account. 

We are calling on the NT government to:

• Remove unnecessary barriers preventing adult victim-survivors from choosing to tell their own stories.
• Protect children's identities, safety and long-term interests, including after death.
• Ensure naming an accused person does not identify a victim-survivor without their consent.
• Make informed, freely given consent central to decisions about public identification.
• When a loved one is killed as a result of sexual violence, ensure families' wishes are considered by the courts.
• We also demand genuine consultation with victim-survivors and specialist services before these laws are changed.

If the CLP is serious about putting victims first, that means victims must have a choice.

Sign this petition. Share with your networks. Let's get these laws right.