One state government has launched a campaign offering alternative reporting options in the hope it will put control back into the hands of survivors.
Stakeholders involved in the two-year consultation process leading up to the launch say mistrust in the system, concerns about the reporting process and fear of not being believed are all barriers for victim-survivors in coming forward.
The Your Way, Your Say campaign - developed by NSW Police and the Department of Communities and Justice - highlights alternative ways victim-survivors can report sexual violence, Sex Crimes Squad commander Jayne Doherty said.
"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," Detective Superintendent Doherty said.
Full Stop Australia, one of the nation's leading sexual violence response and recovery services, said the campaign was an important step forward for victim-survivors.
"Full Stop Australia welcomes the campaign and ongoing commitment by the NSW police and government to improve experiences and prioritise choice for victim-survivors reporting sexual violence," clinical and client services director Tara Hunter said.
But she said more holistic support was needed.
"In line with Full Stop Australia's pre-budget submission to the NSW government, we maintain the call for a Sexual Violence Justice Navigation program to address systemic barriers experienced by victim-survivors reporting to police and on their journey through legal and court processes."
Woman's Safety Commissioner Hannah Tonkin said different ways of reporting sexual violence gave victim-survivors more choice and control.
"It is important for victim-survivors to know that they will be heard and believed, and they will be connected with support services," she said.
Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Prevention Minister Jodie Harrison said sexual violence was one of the most under-reported crimes in Australia.
"Reporting sexual violence can be incredibly confronting," she said.
"This campaign is important to help raise awareness of the various ways victim-survivors can report sexual assaults ... it's their choice," she said.
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