The NSW Police Force with the NSW Government has launched a new campaign to raise awareness about the sexual violence reporting options available to victims.
Developed by State Crime Command's Sex Crimes Squad and the Department of Communities and Justice, the campaign reflects a renewed commitment to ensure sexual violence reporting options are more accessible, transparent, and empowering.
The launch of the campaign comes after almost two years of community, stakeholder, academic and expert consultation and collaboration.
Community research involving over 800 participants found that more than half of the respondents have either experienced sexual violence or know someone who has.
The research identified the key barriers victims feel towards reporting sexual violence, including fear of not being believed, concerns about the reporting process, and mistrust in the system – all of which were pivotal in the development of the campaign.
Subsequently, the campaign informs victims they can report online, report anonymously, report at any time, and can make a report without pursing a criminal investigation.
NSW Police and Counter-terrorism Minister, the Honourable Yasmin Catley MP said addressing sexual violence is a priority for both the NSW Government and NSW Police Force.
"Everyone deserves to live free from violence and abuse. Police take sexual violence incredibly seriously and this campaign is one piece of a larger effort to support victim/survivors and respond to these insidious crimes," Minister Catley said.
NSW Minister for the Prevention of Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Jodie Harrison said sexual violence is one of the most under-reported crimes in Australia.
"Reporting sexual violence can be incredibly confronting. This campaign is important to help raise awareness of the various ways victim-survivors can report sexual assaults - online and anonymously, or to the Police – it's their choice," Minister Harrison said.
"We are also working hard to make sure victim-survivors of sexual violence who come forward are supported and know that they will be believed. We also continue to listen to victim-survivors and work with the sector on appropriate responses."
Woman's Safety Commissioner, Hannah Tonkin, said sexual violence is widespread in our community and it has devasting impacts on victim-survivors and their families.
"Reporting sexual violence can be both daunting and traumatic, and the overwhelming majority of sexual violence crimes are not reported to police.
"These new reporting options give victim-survivors greater choice and control, including the opportunity to disclose their experience on a confidential or anonymous basis. It is important for victim-survivors to know that they will be heard and believed, and they will be connected with support services.
This is a vitally important change, which should give victim-survivors more confidence to report sexual violence."
Commander of State Crime Command's Sex Crimes Squad, Detective Superintendent Jayne Doherty, said this campaign is about putting control back into the hands of survivors.
"We want people to know that they can report sexual violence in a way that feels right for them – whether that's online, anonymously, or through a formal investigation," Det Supt Doherty said.
"We understand that reporting sexual violence can be an incredibly daunting process. This campaign is designed to make it clear that survivors have options and that the NSW Police Force is committed to providing empathetic and professional support."
By promoting choice and transparency, the NSWPF aims to encourage survivors to take the next step – on their terms and at their own pace.
For more information head to, http://police.nsw.gov.au/yourway
