This report summarises current knowledge about sexual violence in Australia, including existing data on sexual offenders; some of the programs aimed at preventing sexual violence and treating both sexual violence victims and offenders; and areas where sexual violence policies and programs could be improved. The report also considers the consequences of sexual violence, including physical, social, economic and psychological effects. It considers the long term and special effects that the experience of sexual violence can have on different victims, including children, males, Indigenous Australians, people from non English speaking backgrounds, and the intellectually disabled.
This project was funded by the Crime Prevention Branch of the Criminal Justice Division, Commonwealth Attorney-General's Department.