Sentencing sexual and domestic violence
The Council gives advice to the Attorney-General of Queensland Government, when asked to, about sentencing.
We have been asked to review some aspects of sexual and domestic violence sentencing in Queensland.
The first aspect of sentencing we are reviewing is how sexual assault and rape offences are sentenced.
We are also reviewing two important changes that were made to the law in 2015 and 2016 affecting sentencing for domestic violence offences in Queensland.
The Terms of Reference explains what we have been asked to review and must report on in more detail.
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Key dates
We are completing this work in two stages.
We are reviewing sentencing of sexual violence and will deliver a final report to the Attorney-General by 16 September 2024.
We are reviewing the aggravating factor for domestic violence offences at the same time and will deliver a final report to the Attorney-General by 30 September 2025.
In our final reports, we will tell the government if we think changes should be made to improve how sexual and domestic violence offences are sentenced.
We will also tell the Attorney-General how we think these changes could be done.
The government might agree with us and make these changes. Or the government might not agree with us, and not make any changes.
Next steps
Preliminary submissions have now closed and are available to read below.
Sentencing sexual violence review:
Submissions in response to our Consultation Papers have now closed. Public submissions are available to read here.
We will deliver our Final Report to the Attorney-General by 16 September 2024.
Domestic violence as an aggravating factor review:
A Consultation Paper on the aggravating factor for domestic and family violence offences is due to be released in early 2025.
Preliminary submissions
Submissions listed as ‘not published’ have been withheld from publication because they are confidential or for other privacy or legal reasons.
Content warning
This content has information about sexual violence offences that readers may find distressing. If this raises any issues for you and you need to talk to someone, help is available:
- Lifeline Australia (24 Hours): 13 11 14
- 1800RESPECT (24 Hours): 1800 737 732
- DV Connect (Womensline) (24 Hours): 1800 811 811
- DV Connect (Mensline) (9.00am–midnight): 1800 600 636
- Sexual Assault Helpline (7.30 am–11.30 pm): 1800 010 120
- 13YARN Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Crisis Support (24 Hours): 13 92 76
- Kids Helpline: 1800 55 1800
- Relationships Australia: 1300 364 277
- Victim Assist Queensland: 1300 546 587 (business hours) or email VictimAssist@justice.qld.gov.au