Regional Guidelines for Prosecutors and Witness Support Officers to support Vulnerable Witnesses through the Prosecution of Sexual and Gender Based Violence Offences

The Regional Guidelines for Prosecutors and Witness Support Officers to support Vulnerable Witnesses through the Prosecution of Sexual and Gender Based Violence Offences (Regional Guidelines) serve as best practice guide for prosecutors. The objective of these guidelines is to facilitate the support of vulnerable witnesses in sexual and gender based violence prosecutions. They provide practical direction on the appropriate approaches and measures to minimize trauma for vulnerable witnesses throughout the prosecution process, ensuring the presentation of the best evidence. 

The Regional Guidelines comprise three sections: 

1. An analysis of the public interest in prosecuting sexual and gender based violence and offenses.
2. A comprehensive step-by-step guide for supporting witnesses through the various stages of prosecution of sexual and gender based violence offenses.
3. Procedural templates

The Regional Guidelines are aligned with current international best practices and can be adapted and contextualized to suit the processes of any Pacific jurisdiction.