It has long been recognised that child complainants find the court experience very difficult, particularly if they have to give evidence against a family member in a sexual offence matter. This paper outlines the major factors that contribute to making processes harrowing for children and then discusses and evaluates some of the initiatives that have...

Large scale gay and lesbian events such as the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras are major international festivals with considerable tourist attendance. Good order and goodwill are emphasised as positive aspects of the events, but an internet survey of participants shows that there is an undercurrent of hostility, abuse and unreported violence, particularly after...

The rate of imprisonment of Indigenous people in Australia and New Zealand continues to be unacceptably high. Indigenous people are more likely to return to prison than are non-Indigenous people. How can young Indigenous adults be assisted to make a successful transition from prison to the community? What public services and community supports have been...

Through an analysis of data on offenders sentenced in the Supreme Court of Tasmania between 1 July 2002 and 30 June 2004, and on reconvictions and breaches, the paper provides an overview of the use and impact of suspended sentences. While offenders given suspended sentences were less likely to be reconvicted, the imposition of these...

This paper provides a summary of research that examined the nature and prevalence of intimate partner abuse of women in Central Queensland's Bowen Basin region.