Competence and other matters

(1) Notwithstanding any rule or law to the contrary, the court shall, in any matter relating to the prosecution of an offence under this Act, treat a child victim as a competent witness for the prosecution upon the court determining that the child understands the importance of speaking the truth. (2) Notwithstanding any rule or law to the contrary, the court shall not, in any matter relating to the prosecution of an offence under this Act, require the unsworn evidence of a child to be corroborated. (3) Where pursuant to sub-section (2) a child gives evidence, the court shall give the weight appropriate to the specific circumstances of the case and the credibility of the child witness. (4) Notwithstanding any rule or law to the contrary, in any matter relating to the prosecution of an offence under this Act, a spouse shall be a competent and compellable witness for the (5) Notwithstanding any rule or law' to the contrary, in any matter relating to the prosecution of an offence under this Act, the requirement to hold a preliminary inquiry shall not apply.