The Bendigo Advertiser ran an article on the City of Bendigo's Draft All Ages, All Abilities Action Plan which highlights higher rates of sexual offences occurring in the greater Bendigo region compared to the Victorian average. The 2019 crime statistics in the Greater Bendigo Region reinforce this showing a 43% increase in the reporting of sexual crimes, with a large portion of those committed against children and young people.
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The national data indicates 1 in 6 women and 1 in 9 men experience sexual and or physical abuse before the age of 15 in Australia. This is a widespread issue that our community and all levels of Government are grappling to acknowledge, understand and prevent.
Why does sexual assault occur, why is it increasing and what are decision makers doing to address the causes? The data tells us that people are feeling more comfortable to report sexual crimes due to an increase in public awareness of the issue. The figures also mirror the increase of people seeking therapeutic counselling and support at Loddon Campaspe Centre Against Sexual Assault, with over 1000 people a year receiving care. It is important to note that over 40% of our clients are children and young people under the age of 18. We have a waiting list for our services and cannot keep up with the demand.
We know that sexual abuse occurs in homes, clubs, bars, and other public spaces, perpetrated by mostly men. Whilst safer public spaces are essential, we must also work across the community - with clubs, services and businesses to promote prevention, create awareness and continue to build confidence in reporting and seeking assistance.
Sexual assault and abuse can be the most difficult event in a person's life. Whilst attitudes are changing, we still hear victims experiencing blame and judgement that they somehow caused the assault by being a female, by being in public, by being in the relationship, by having a good time - the same good time as everyone else in the venue. Sexual violence is difficult to discuss and difficult to acknowledge that it occurs in families, and our community. At LCCASA people often tell us they did not want to know or acknowledge that sexual violence happens until it happened to them, a friend or their family member.
It is time we talk openly about sexual violence and abuse directed at women and children. It is time we talk about power over, and empowerment. It is time we all strongly say "no woman or child should experience any form of violence - by anyone".
People can and do heal from sexual assault and violence with trauma informed responses, counselling and support. We will continue to work with Great Bendigo Council through the Gender Equity Coalition to address the drivers of gendered violence to see our communities free of sexual violence.
READ MORE: A letter to our community
Loddon Campaspe Centre Against Sexual Assault is a free and confidential service, providing counselling, support and advocacy for adults young people and children who have experienced sexual assault, either recently or in the past. Counselling, support and information for non-offending family members is also available. Alongside counselling and support, we are active in advocacy and building professional competency by providing across sector training and professional consultations.
Contact Loddon Campaspe Centre Against Sexual Assault (CASA) on 5441 0430 for support, advice and counselling.
- Kate Wright, chief executive officer
Helpline contacts
Sexual Assault Crisis Line 1800 806 292 (24hrs)
1800Respect (National Sexual Assault, Family and Domestic Violence Counselling Line) Tel. 1800 737 732
Kids Helpline (kidshelpline.com.au) Tel. 1800 55 1800
DHHS Child Protection Intake North Division Intake - 1300 664 977
SOCIT - Sexual Offences Child Investigative Team - 5444 6701
After hours child protection emergency service - 13 12 78
