SUMMARY

This enactment gives the same protection to any person testifying in proceedings in which the accused is charged with a sexual offence or sexual assault or in which violence against the person is alleged to have been used, threatened or attempted that is currently available under subsections 486(1.1) and (2.3) of the Criminal Code to witnesses under the age of eighteen years.

Accordingly, the accused cannot personally cross-examine witnesses in such proceedings. In such cases, the cross-examination will be conducted by court-appointed counsel.