Can alternative modes of presenting victim testimonies increase chances of conviction?
July 7, 2022
Most victims of trafficking experience significant trauma and hardship that can stay with them for many years after their rescue.
Trafficked victims have varying needs for support and assistance, however what is generally common to the victim experience is the desire for some form of justice and restitution.
Some victims have a preference to have their voices heard as part of their journey to recovery, these are victims most likely to participate in criminal proceedings provided they are fully informed about the process, the risks, and what is required of them as a witness.
In the ASEAN region, many trafficking in persons cases are dismissed or result in an acquittal due to the lack of victim testimony.
The panel explored alternative modes to protect trafficked victims/witnesses when giving evidence.
Presentation “Vulnerable Witnesses and Pre-Trial Cross-Examination” by His Honour Judge Martin Picton can be downloaded in Bahasa Indonesia, Burmese, English, Khmer, and Vietnamese.
While technology can enable #HumanTrafficking, it can also be used in powerful ways to prevent & respond to it. Interesting discussion w/ judges today on using video for testimony in prosecutions in the #ASEAN region, to protect victims’ rights – hosted by 🇦🇺#ASEANACT. pic.twitter.com/j76lqHJwbb
— Tiffany McDonald (@AusAmbASEAN) July 7, 2022
Speakers
- His Honour Judge Martin Picton, International Training Director at the Judiciary of England and Wales, Judicial College, Bristol Crown Court, The Law Courts, Small Street Bristol, London, UK
- Presiding Judge Cristina Javalera-Sulit, Regional Trial Court, Branch 140, Makati City, Philippines
- Intermediate Judge Ta Duy Uoc, Deputy Chief Justice of Criminal Court of Quang Ninh Province, Vietnam
- Atty. Kathleen Joy Piccio-Labay, Head of Prosecution Development, International Justice Mission, Philippines