A better picture of sex crime
HELP IS AT HAND: Western NSW Local Health District sexual assault services manager Sue Burke hopes reforms introduced last week will lead to more people reporting sexual assault. Photo:STEVE GOSCH
CHANGES in the way victims of sexual assault can now report the crime will lead to a “better picture of the real situation” according to an Orange health expert.
Victims of sexual assault are now able to provide information about the crime through a questionnaire without having to participate in a formal police investigation.
NSW police have adopted the sexual assault reporting option (SARO) to allow victims to provide information anonymously.
Western NSW Local Health District sexual assault services manager Sue Burke said she hopes changes introduced last week will lead to more people reporting the crime.
“We get so few reports, they [the Police] know that there are a lot of people who don’t do anything about it,” she said.
Ms Burke said there are a variety of reasons people choose not to report sexual assault but the SARO scheme should alleviate some people’s concerns.
“I think it’ll be good because we see people that come through the crisis medical service or the hospital,” she said.
Ms Burke said the ability to report sexual assault but not go through a formal investigation is also beneficial for the victims.
“It’s a better recovery for people to do something about it,” she said.
SARO is a questionnaire that can be completed online and emailed to police, enabling the victim to provide information from a place where they feel comfortable and safe.
Ms Burke said any information provided will help police investigating sexual assault cases.
“We know that offender will quite often offend on more than one person,” she said.
Ms Burke said staff at the sexual assault services are available to help sexual assault victims to complete the questionnaire.
“Our counsellors are on call 24-hours and can come in anytime and be with that victim to provide immediate crisis service.”
To report a sexual assault through the SARO questionnaire visit http://www.police.nsw.gov.au/community_issues/adult_sexual_assault
nadine.morton@ruralpress.com