The NSW Police sex crimes squad is urging victims throughout the state, including the Riverina, to come forward.
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Operation Vest has been launched with one clear message "we will listen to you".
It comes after activist Chantel Contos' online petition calling for sex education reform collected about 5000 graphic testimonies of teenage sexual assault.
The news cycle has also been dominated by leaders, community members and activists calling for action on gendered violence.
In Wagga alone, hundreds of people participated in the March 4 Justice calling on the country's leaders to do something.
Superintendent Bob Noble, Riverina Police District Commander, said anecdotally, they are seeing that victims are increasingly becoming more confident to report sexual offences, which includes domestic violence-related sexual offences.
He added that officers undertake work throughout schools in the Riverina as well with programs around healthy relationships, sexting, respecting others, and risks in the online space.
"We also work closely with the Wagga Sexual Assault Service to ensure victim support is at the forefront of what we do," he said.
"We acknowledge there are a variety of reasons a victim may not wish to proceed, including the judicial process, religion or other cultural beliefs, domestic situations, emotional or psychological well-being.
"That said, we continue to encourage victims to come forward as soon as possible and provide the best available evidence, which can be re-visited if they choose to in the future."
Operation Vest will be coordinated by the State Crime Command's Child Abuse and Sex Crimes Squad who will work closely with commands and districts across the state.
Commander of the Child Abuse and Sex Crimes Squad Detective Superintendent Stacey Maloney commended the bravery of the young women prepared to share their stories.
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"Re-telling your story means reliving your trauma, and NSW Police are committed to a framework that supports a victim's pursuit for justice but also ensures they have access to services that provide the appropriate support.
"We want you to know that if you share your story with us, we will listen to you and if you decide to pursue legal action, immediately or anytime thereafter, we will stand by your side through that process."
Ways to report the assault
There are five formal methods that NSW Police provides for a victim to report a sexual assault:
- If the sexual assault has just happened, call triple zero and ask for police.
- Call the local police station and make an appointment to speak to police.
- Attend the local police station.
- For those living outside NSW, attend the local police station and make a report. Those officers will organise for the case to be transferred to NSW.
- Call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
This course of action may lead to a criminal investigation if the person chooses to proceed with the matter.
However, NSW Police will not pursue a criminal investigation through to the court process without gaining permission by way of a formal statement.
If the victim chooses not to proceed to the courts, their report informs investigators of a potential offender in the community.
"We certainly encourage victims of sexual violence to come forward and report their matters, as their assault may not be isolated," Det Supt Maloney said.
"Your matter may be connected to other incidents of sexual violence and provide investigators with additional information to prevent perpetrators from reoffending."
Another option if a person decides not to formally report, is to complete a Sexual Assault Reporting Option which enables victims to share their story without formally reporting the matter to police.
They can choose to provide their details or report anonymously.
This informal report will not initiate a criminal investigation but by completing this questionnaire, the information gathered may be used to help police develop strategies which target offenders, protect the community and reduce repeat offending.
If the SARO report relates to someone under the age of 18, the NSWPF, as mandatory reporters, must notify Community Services through the Child Protection Helpline.
A mandatory reporter is a body or organisation that is required to report all risks of significant harm to children in NSW to Community Services.
"We understand that completing this questionnaire may be difficult for victims as they are being asked to remember, in some detail, what happened," Det Supt Maloney said.
"For victims, if you are seeing a counsellor, it may be useful to talk with them before filling it in so you can prepare a few helpful strategies, such as completing the questionnaire in a place where you feel safe and have some privacy.
For more information on SARO please visit https://www.police.nsw.gov.au/saro.
If you or someone you know is seeking further support, please contact the Victims Access Line on 1800 633 063 or Rape Crisis on 1800 424 017.
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