PIONEERING A NEW APPROACH TO PROSECUTING SEX OFFENCES
particular, the unit implemented: • a process to ensure that cases are allocated to a solicitor within two working days of the defendant being charged • a systematic briefing procedure • regular, planned liaison with key stakeholders. NEW DIRECTORATE As part of the reorganisation of the OPP’s legal functions, the operations of the SSOU will become one of the newly created legal directorates. The unit will continue to oversee the prosecution of
serious sex offences in Melbourne and regional Victoria, monitor and promote consistency in the prosecution of these offences, develop strategies for enhancing the prosecution of sex offences and actively drive improvements in the treatment of these offences in legislation, legal policy and the criminal justice system. Helen Fatouros has recently been appointed Directorate Manager, SSOU. She is looking forward to starting in her new role during this exciting time of change in the office.
Kerry Maikousis Solicitor Specialist Sex Offences Unit When the OPP’s Specialist Sex Offences Unit was set up in 2007, Kerry Maikousis knew immediately that she wanted to be involved. “I saw this as a huge innovation,” says Kerry, “and I wanted to be part of it.” Having been an articled clerk and then a solicitor at the OPP, Kerry returned to take up a position in the unit in May 2007 after a period working for the Judicial College of Victoria, where she ran training courses for magistrates and judges. While proud of the SSOU’s success, Kerry points out that sex offence cases are very complex and often emotionally draining. “There are times when you think you’ve seen everything, but you can still get a case that will shock you,” she says. “Cases can appear straightforward, but then throw up challenges that you didn’t see coming. The limits are always being stretched – emotionally and legally.” One of the most important aspects of Kerry’s work is the SSOU’s strong focus on supporting victims of serious sex crimes. “Concern for victims is a philosophy that underpins our work,” she says. “These are people who are often at a very low point and we are very conscious that they should not be victimised a second time by the court process.” Kerry notes that the strong collegiate atmosphere within the SSOU is important when working in such a difficult area of the law. “We operate under lots of different pressures, such as tight time frames, the volume of cases and the nature of the work,” she says. “The pace is really pretty intense and doing this sort of work can wear you down. You need people around you who are willing to step in and take some of the pressure off you at certain times – and we have that sort of environment and understanding in our team.” Kerry sees prosecuting sex offences as an area where “you really feel as if you are making a contribution to the community.” She adds, “It can be tough at times, but I get an enormous amount of satisfaction from my work.”
OPP Annual Report 2007/08 41