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About the Crime |
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Many parts of the Australian Government and our communities are in denial of sexual assault crimes and the impact on our societies. In Australia in 2001 81% of victims who presented to police were women. 498 young women between 15-19yrs per 100,000 were sexually assaulted in 2001. Only 17% of offenders are not known to victims, offenders are often known to victims, are family members, friends or acquaintances. Every day in Australia women are murdered due to acts of violence. 40% of female deaths in Australia are as a result of violence. Victims are more likely to reveal the details of their assault to a woman. Between 1993 & 2001 victims of sexual assault increased by 37%. Whilst these figures remind us of the ignorance and failure of our society to eradicate sexual assault, it is a horrifying fact these figures are on the increase every year. Enough is enough! What is sexual assault? Sexual assault is when a person against your will, forces sexual contact upon you. This can include; · sexual assault (sexual intercourse). · attempted sexual assault (in the attempt of sexual intercourse). · Indecent assault, the offender touches your breasts, genitals or anus in a sexual way or touch theirs. · aggravated sexual assault (use of a weapon or object). · acts of indecency, when an offender exposes themselves or masturbates to you.
Reporting to Police Reasons why a victim may not want to report to Police. · "Fear" · "having to go over it all again" · "Not being believed" · "nothing will happen anyway, they'll get away with it" · "I don't want anyone to know, I can't talk about it" · "I can't go through it all again and again and again" · Social isolation · Belief in stereotypes and myths · Denial of sexual assault · victimisation
For more information - Statistics Australian Centre for the Study of Sexual Assault Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) Victims Rights Attorney General's Department of NSW Victims Support line Tel: 1800 633 063 or (02) 9374 3000 TTY: (02) 9374 3175
Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights
Declaration of Basic Principles of Justice for Victims of Crime and Abuse of Power
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