Thank you so much, Chair.
This amendment was brought forward by NAWL. It is about ensuring that survivors of intimate partner violence receive legal supports and protection while testifying against an abuser and ensuring that they are not revictimized and denied their right to speak up against violence and injustice.
This amendment would extend protections for women experiencing violence and abuse, including testimonial aids and prohibitions on cross-examination, ensuring these are in place for all offences committed against an intimate partner. What matters for vital protections like these is the context of domestic violence, not the type of offence committed.
This is a suggestion supported by leading women's organizations, and I urge my colleagues to vote in favour of it to ensure victims' rights are upheld in this bill.