Calls for legal education review after barrister's 'sometimes women lie' comment

The campaign follows comments made last month by barrister Geoffrey Steward, who criticised a Victorian government media release stating that "victim-survivors deserve to be heard, believed and protected." Steward said the statement showed no interest in "accused-survivors", a term he used for people accused of sexual assault whose charges are not proved.

Steward reportedly suggested it was indisputable that "sometimes women lie" and proposed that victims should only be recognised if the perpetrator confesses or is found guilty. More than 90 survivors and leaders in the anti-violence sector, including 11 chief executives, say the proposal would be harmful.

Survivor Elise O'Neill said the comments were demoralising.

The campaigners are calling for a review of legal education, arguing that attitudes expressed by barristers can shape how sexual assault cases are handled and how survivors are treated.

The dispute centres on reforms announced by Victorian Attorney-General Sonya Kilkenny, who has established a Victim Survivor Justice Advisory Group to drive changes to the state's response to sexual violence. The group will consult on reforms to prevent victim-survivors' counselling and health records from being used in court without their consent, and to allow survivors to pre-record their evidence.

Analysis

Why This Matters

The campaign directly challenges attitudes within the legal profession that survivors say discourage reporting and undermine confidence in the justice system.
If Steward's proposal gained support, women's safety leaders warn that victim-survivors could be denied access to vital services.
The Victorian government's advisory group is already consulting on changes that would strengthen protections for survivors, making the debate timely.

Background

The dispute fits within a long-running Australian debate over how to balance the presumption of innocence for people accused of sexual offences against the need to protect complainants from invasive legal tactics. Historically, courts have sometimes allowed access to counselling records, which critics say deters survivors from seeking help. Victoria's current reforms respond to those concerns by proposing consent requirements and pre-recorded evidence for victim-survivors.

Key Perspectives

Survivors and women's safety leaders: They argue that language from legal professionals can shape institutional responses to sexual violence. They fear that requiring a confession or conviction before recognising a victim would reverse progress and leave many survivors without support.

Barrister Geoffrey Steward: He has criticised the government's framing for ignoring the position of people accused of sexual assault whose charges are not proved. His comments have been reported as asserting that false allegations are a reality that must be acknowledged.

Critics and skeptics: Some in the legal profession may argue that the presumption of innocence requires caution about treating allegations as established facts before a court determines guilt. The challenge is how to hold that principle without dismissing or disbelieving survivors.

What to Watch

Whether the Victorian Attorney-General or legal professional bodies respond to the campaign's call for a review of legal education.
The progress of the Victim Survivor Justice Advisory Group's consultations, particularly on counselling records and pre-recorded evidence.
Whether the debate spreads to other states or influences national discussions on sexual assault law reform.

Analysis

Why This Matters

Background

Key Perspectives

What to Watch

Sources