The Government wants to make court trials less traumatising for victims of sexual assault.

Justice Minister Andrew Little is concerned victims are being re-traumatised during aggressive cross-examinations.

Speaking with Mike Hosking, Little said one of the measures they are considering would be asking judges to exercise more control over antagonistic defence lawyers.

"There's already provision there in the law but a report says it's just not being used much and victims of sexual violation, who have to give evidence, are still complaining that they feel traumatised, so we have got to look at a way to make the conduct of the trial fair."

Previous reporting suggested the Government was planning on banning the cross-examination of sexual assault victims, however, Little said that's not true.

"There are fair trial rights for the defendant, so presumption of innocence, getting information from the prosecution and testing the evidence - that means cross-examination."

"The way you do the cross-examination is the issue and making sure that the evidence is tested in a way that doesn't further traumatise the victim," he said.

"That's been a struggle to get that balance right for some time...I'm not convinced we've got it right yet and I'm keen to see if we can do more."

How to get help

If you're in danger now:

• Phone the police on 111 or ask neighbours of friends to ring for you.
• Run outside and head for where there are other people.
• Scream for help so that your neighbours can hear you.
• If you are being abused, remember it's not your fault. Violence is never okay.

Where to go for help or more information:

• NZ Police
• The Harbour, for those affected by harmful sexual behaviour
• Help Auckland 24/7 helpline 09 623 1700
• Rape Prevention Education
• Wellington Help 24/7 crisisline 04 801 6655, push 0
• Male Survivors of Sexual Abuse
• Women's Refuge: Free national crisis line operates 24/7 - 0800 REFUGE or 0800 733 843 www.womensrefuge.org.nz
• Shine, free national helpline 9am- 11pm every day - 0508 744 633 www.2shine.org.nz
• Shakti: Providing specialist cultural services for African, Asian and Middle Eastern women and their children. Crisis line 24/7 0800 742 584
• White Ribbon: Aiming to eliminate men's violence towards women, focusing this year on sexual violence and the issue of consent. www.whiteribbon.org.nz