Greater confidence in disclosing sexual offences could be behind a significant jump in reports within one year, Bendigo services say.
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The most recent figures from the Crime Statistics Agency show the number of reported sexual offences in the City of Greater Bendigo rose 47 per cent from 2017 to 2018, with increases reported in other central Victoria municipalities.
Lee Edmonds, from the Loddon Campaspe Centre Against Sexual Assault, said it was difficult to identify exactly why there was an increase in the figures.
But the social context was changing, Ms Edmonds said, among Royal Commissions, movements such as #MeToo, and discussions in the media, schools and workplaces.
This led to people feeling more confident in stepping forward, Ms Edmonds said and more willing to seek justice.
Feelings of blame are increasingly shifting from the victim to the perpetrator.
“There’s a real social transformation taking place,” she said.
Detective Senior Sergeant John Dalton, from the Sexual Offences and Child Abuse Investigation Team, also said Royal Commissions, such as that into child sexual abuse in institutions, had played a part.
“It’s really encouraging to see people coming forward and making complaints,” he said.
Ms Edmonds said there was also greater confidence in the police because of specialisation in this area and new ways of policing.
Historically, only about 10 per cent of sexual assault victims will report the crime.
Imprisonment rates for offenders are the lowest of any offence.
Ms Edmonds said this showed there was still a way to go in the justice system when it came to addressing sexual offenders.
But Detective Senior Sergeant Dalton encouraged anyone who had suffered a sexual offence to report it to police, or at least seek support.
“(They should be) rest assured, if and when they do report – it doesn’t matter how long ago it was – they will be provided the best service,” he said.
Ms Edmonds said experiencing a sexual crime did not define a person or their life.
“I think what also stops people reporting is how they’re perceived by others, because (the crime) is so horrific,” she said.
With professional support, she said, people built resilience and could move past what had happened.
“You are not this experience,” Ms Edmonds said.
CASA offers free and confidential counselling, advocacy and support to children, women and men impacted by sexual violence. Contact CASA on 5441 0430 or 24 hours 1800 806 292.
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Natalie Croxon
Reporter at the Illawarra Mercury, mostly covering social affairs. Previously of the Bendigo Advertiser, Northern Daily Leader and Quirindi Advocate. Our Watch award winner.
Reporter at the Illawarra Mercury, mostly covering social affairs. Previously of the Bendigo Advertiser, Northern Daily Leader and Quirindi Advocate. Our Watch award winner.
