Communities and Justice

BOCSAR research project

The NSW Government is funding research into complainant experience

The NSW Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research (BOCSAR) is leading research into the experiences of complainants of sexual offences within the criminal justice system. The research seeks to understand why many sexual offence complaints do not result in criminal proceedings or are withdrawn early in proceedings.

The work is considering the whole criminal justice experience of the complainant from first engagement with police to the final outcome. This includes the complainant’s experience with police investigative processes and evidence gathering, as well as their experiences with the court process including the initiation of court proceedings, pre-trial processes and trial.

A Research Advisory Group is overseeing the project. The Group includes NSW Government agencies, academics and representatives from victim advocacy groups.

BOCSAR will also engage a consultant with expertise in victim engagement to ensure a trauma-informed approach to the research.

Last updated:

31 Aug 2023