8. The Committee is concerned about the availability and preparedness of magistrates to preside over sexual offences courts: magistrates have cited stress as the main reason for their unwillingness to preside over such cases. The Committee was unable to clarify whether magistrates have access to the employee wellness programmes that are available to justice officials. The Committee is aware of the risk of trauma associated with dealing with sexual offences cases but believes that if appropriate measures, including ensuring a wider pool of dedicated magistrates and staff to allow for rotation, are put in place this risk can better managed. It asks that the Department clarify the position of magistrates in this regard, in writing, as well as provide details of its plan to lessen the risk of psychological trauma for those magistrates and justice officials who work with sexual offences cases, in writing, by 19 July 2013.