Victorian Numbered Acts

CRIMES (SEXUAL OFFENCES) ACT 2006 (NO 2 OF 2006) - SECT 37

After section 37D of the Evidence Act 1958 insert —

        "37E.     Evidence of specialised knowledge in certain cases

        Despite any rule of law to the contrary, in any legal proceeding that relates (wholly or partly) to a charge for a sexual offence, the court may receive evidence of a person's opinion that is based on that person's specialised knowledge (acquired through training, study or experience) of—

        (a)     the nature of sexual offences; and

        (b)     the social, psychological and cultural factors that may affect the behaviour of a person who has been the victim, or who alleges that he or she has been the victim, of a sexual offence, including the reasons that may contribute to a delay on the part of the victim to report the offence.".