A SIGNIFICANT INCREASE IN THE NUMBER OF SEXUAL ASSAULT OFFENCES IN NSW
The number of sexual assault offences in NSW is on the rise, according to statistics from the NSW Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research, which revealed an extraordinary increase of 42% in sexual assault reports in the 12 months prior to March 2024, compared to five years ago.
Whilst such statistics of sexual assault offences are often attributed to a greater proportion of alleged victims feeling more comfortable or having greater accessibility to report the alleged sexual assault offences, NSW Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research executive director Jackie Fitzgerald referred to the results of victim survey results to state that the increase may in fact be a result of an increase in real sexual assault offences taking place in the community.
WHAT IS SEXUAL ASSAULT?
Section 61I of the Crimes Act 1900 (NSW) defines sexual assault as sexual intercourse with another person without the consent of the other person and who knows that the other person does not consent to the sexual intercourse. Section 61J of the same legislation defines aggravated sexual assault as the same as sexual assault, with the addition of circumstances of aggravation. It lists what circumstances of aggravation are and include, but are not limited to, the inclusion of intentional or reckless bodily harm, being in the company of another person or persons or depriving the complainant of their liberty for a period before or after the commission of the offence.
SEXUAL OFFENCES IN PUBS AND CLUBS ACROSS SYDNEY AND NSW REACH RECORD LEVELS
The latest statistics from the NSW Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research report an increase in reported incidents and convictions of sexual offences arising from attacks inside pubs and clubs across Sydney and NSW, with one in four incidents occurring inside a licensed venue within the Sydney CBD. These statistics are consistent with the concerns of Full Stop Australia Chief Executive Karen Bevan, who stated that reports of sexual assaults had increased by over 40% in the last 5 years.
NSW GOVERNMENT ACTION ON SEXUAL ASSAULT OFFENCES
Following recent allegations of toxic, exploitive and inappropriate sexualised cultures within licensed clubs and pubs, the NSW Government has announced that it is investigating options to include training for staff at licensed venues in specialised sexual harassment and sexual violence prevention. The plan is for the requirements to be enacted through the making of changes to the Responsible Service of Alcohol (RSA) training handbook. This idea follows the success of changes that had been made in light of concerns about drink spiking. High-profile and increases in the number of sexual assault offences are generally associated with calls for a wholistic governmental response, which generally involves consideration of stronger punishments and greater police resources and focus.
WHAT IS THE PUNISHMENT FOR A SEXUAL ASSAULT OFFENCE?
Sexual assault offences are serious offences and are dealt with in the District Court. They carry a maximum sentence of 14 years imprisonment, in accordance with Section 61I of the Crimes Act 1900 (NSW). Aggravated sexual assault offences are also dealt with in the District Court, although carry a maximum sentence of 20 years imprisonment, pursuant to Section 61J of the Crimes Act 1900 (NSW). If you or someone you know have been accused of a sexual assault offence, call us immediately to speak with our specialised expert criminal lawyers.
CASE STUDY OF ONE OF OUR EXCEPTIONAL RESULTS – CHARGE DROPPED BEFORE COMMENCEMENT OF TRIAL
Our client contacted us having been charged with aggravated sexual assault arising from the allegations of a woman who was known to him. He was facing up to 20 years imprisonment if convicted and a loss of his professional licence and career. Our expert criminal lawyers obtained a body of evidence proving our client’s innocence and the case was withdrawn by the prosecution prior to the commencement of the trial.
WHY CHOOSE CRIMINAL LAWYERS GROUP?
If you or someone you know has been accused of a sexual assault offence, call us immediately to speak with one of our expert criminal lawyers and have a free consultation. Sexual assault offences are a serious crime and we have proven results on securing the best outcome. We are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.