The Australian Government has published a national educational resource for the justice sector to improve the experience of victims and survivors in the justice system.
Understanding adult sexual assault matters: Insights from research and practice, authored by the Australian Institute of Family Studies, supports the Albanese Labor Government’s commitment to strengthen justice responses to sexual assault and improve victims’ and survivors’ experiences.
Sexual assault is underreported and often misunderstood in our community. This can be due to false assumptions and stereotypes about sexual assault that pervade Australian society.
The 2021 National Community Attitudes towards Violence against Women Survey found that almost 1 in 5 Australians believe women are most likely to be sexually assaulted by a stranger, despite evidence that 85 per cent of women who have experienced sexual assault were assaulted by a male they knew, most commonly an intimate partner.
Misunderstandings about sexual assault can be influenced by false assumptions and stereotypes about consent, complainants and the nature of offending. Research shows that these can operate as myths and misconceptions, which can filter into the justice system and prevent victims and survivors of sexual assault from seeking justice.
The resource presents evidence-based insights into the realities of sexual assault and suggests approaches to counteract the inappropriate influence that false assumptions and stereotypes can have in the justice system.
This resource is a key component of a $12.6 million investment in the October 2022-23 Budget to deliver family, domestic and sexual violence education for frontline workers, health professionals and the justice sector.
The Australian Government also initiated an Australian Law Reform Commission inquiry to improve justice responses to sexual violence which is due to report in January 2025.
Quotes attributable to the Attorney-General, the Hon Mark Dreyfus KC MP:
“We all have a role to play in ending family, domestic and sexual violence. We must continue to work together toward that end.
“Victims and survivors deserve to feel empowered to seek justice, and seeking justice should not add to the trauma they have experienced.
“This resource will improve police, legal and judicial responses when engaging with victims and survivors of sexual assault, offenders and communities.”
Quotes attributable to Minister for Social Services, the Hon Amanda Rishworth MP:
“To stop violence against women and children in one generation, we need to ensure that frontline workers, health professionals and the justice sector are supported with the skills and resources to prevent and respond to family, domestic and sexual violence.
“This resource delivers on key outcomes under the National Plan to End Violence Against Women and Children 2022-2032 and will assist the family, domestic and sexual violence justice sector to ensure responses to these forms of violence are trauma-informed and appropriate for all people.”
If you or someone you know is experiencing, or at risk of experiencing, domestic, family or sexual violence, call 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732, chat online via www.1800RESPECT.org.au, or text 0458 737 732.