This report presents the findings of a a study that aimed to understand the reasons for the high rate of attrition of reported sexual offences in the Australian Capital Territory. Through analysis of 389 police case reports, interviews with 33 victim-survivors and a review of Australian Federal Police and ACT Policing policy and procedural documents, the review found that not only are sexual offences rarely charged in the ACT, sexual offences are rarely investigated. Failure to investigate sexual offences was driven by two key factors. First, the impact of rape myths on police decision-making, and second, a lack of understanding of the laws relating to sexual offences and the test to charge. The findings provide insight for police forces across Australia to move towards a trauma-informed approach to policing sexual offences.
The "Consent Toolkit" project is an educational toolkit designed to teach children in schools about healthy relationships and consent. It is available for free to educators and students, with the goal of promoting safer and respectful relationships for all.
In 2018, the advocacy of Saxon Mullins, Director of Advocacy at Rape and Sexual Assault Research and Advocacy, led to the referral of consent law to the New South Wales Law Reform Commission for review by the Attorney-General of NSW, Mark Speakman. This review resulted in the implementation of affirmative consent laws in NSW.
Rape and Sexual Assault Research and Advocacy's Director of Research, Professor Jonathan Crowe, and author Bri Lee, successfully advocated for a review of the "mistake of fact" excuse in relation to rape law in Queensland.
We acknowledge the Traditional Owners of Country throughout Australia and recognise their continuing connection to land, waters and culture. We pay our respect to Elders past and present.
