Some of the Australian research literature on child witnesses has been influential in obtaining legislative reforms. This includes research on delays in bringing cases involving children to court, the language used in the court, and children's perceptions of the court process. Other factors influencing changes have been the mandatory- notification legislation and the resulting increase in reporting; the handling of child sexual abuse cases in the criminal court rather than the juvenile courts, which handle cases of physical abuse and neglect; and increased awareness among some legal professionals, medical and welfare groups, and the community regarding children's rights. 31 references