Sexual assault

Sexual assault is a crime. It's any unwanted sexual behaviour that causes humiliation, pain, fear or intimidation. It includes rape, incest, child abuse and unwanted or unwelcome kissing and touching. It also includes behaviour that does not involve actual touching, e.g. forcing someone to watch pornography or masturbation.

Indecent assault covers sexual acts other than those involving sexual penetration, such as touching someone's breasts or bottom without their consent.

Being forced to have sex when you don't want to, or forcing you into having sex by making you think you will be harmed if you don't, is a serious criminal offence.

It's also an offence to have sex with someone who is under the age of sixteen.

Sexual assault is a crime and is never justified. It's never the fault of the victim.

Staying safe

Trouble can happen with people you know, with strangers or people you don't know well. Unfortunately, schoolies events can attract folk (especially toolies) who want to take advantage of young people when they may be more vulnerable, e.g. when you are out celebrating, possibly a bit drunk or tipsy and your guard is down.

Think about the things you can do to keep you and your friends safe. These might include:

plan to hang out in a group when you go out - don't go out alone
always walk on well-lit streets - there may be less lighting in country areas so take a torch with you
have a designated meeting area where you can meet up if you get lost or separated from your friends
only go out with people you trust and know have your best interests at heart
keep an eye on your friends - good friends make sure that their friends are safe and make safe choices. It may cause conflict at the time, but stopping a friend from doing something you know they'd regret later will most likely be appreciated the following day
organise transport ahead of time so you get there and back home again safely
let someone know where you're going, and when you'll be back
alcohol and sex can be a dangerous mix. You may not be able to make good judgements if you're impaired by alcohol or other drugs
when you know that the other person is so drunk they're incapable of giving you their consent to have sex, you should stop straight away or you may be committing sexual assault
don't put yourself in a position where you're alone with someone you don't know very well
if you feel uncomfortable at any time, listen to your gut instinct and get to a safe place as quickly as possible

What to do if you are a victim of sexual assault

It can be very difficult to know what to do if you or a friend has been sexually assaulted. Talking to someone with experience will help. If you contact a Centre Against Sexual Assault (CASA), a counsellor/advocate can help you decide what to do and work with you to help you recover from the effects of your experience.

There are 15 CASAs throughout Victoria . You can call a local CASA centre (external link) during the day or the Sexual Assault Crisis Line after hours - 1800 806 292.

You need to think about whether you want to report the sexual assault to police. It's important that you take an active role in making decisions, rather than having them made for you. The counsellors at CASA will be able to help you think through your options.

Reporting a sexual assault

You don't have to report the sexual assault immediately. You can take some time to decide what you want to do. However, the sooner a crime is reported the easier it is for the police to investigate, and the more likely it is that the perpetrator will be charged and successfully prosecuted.

If you decide to report within three days of the sexual assault, a forensic medical examination may find evidence that will support what you are saying. In the case of a sexual assault by a stranger, an examination may help to identify the offender. If you are sexually assaulted keep all your clothing (including underwear and bedding). Do not wash or clean these items.

Even if you decide not to report the matter have a medical/ health check for STI's, HIV, pregnancy etc.

To learn more about sexual assaults and the process involved in reporting the crime, check out Victoria Legal Aid's (PDF, external link) extremely informative sexual assault brochure.

Sexual assault

Staying safe

What to do if you are a victim of sexual assault

Reporting a sexual assault

Related links