Sexual assault offences were reported by 5,474 Victorian women and girls in 2023.
87% of sexual assaults recorded in Victoria in 2023 were female.
The largest cohort of victim-survivors in Victoria, at 37%, were at the time of the offence aged between 10 and 17 years of age.
In the 16 days the Safe. Everywhere. Always. challenge takes place, 240 cases of sexual assault will be reported by women and girls in Victoria.
9 out of 10 sexual assault offences will not be reported to authorities.
The Australian Bureau of Statistics noted 2023 was its worst year on record for sexual offences.
This doesn’t even begin to touch on homicide and non-sexual assault against women.
With the Energy and Water Ombudsman (Victoria) (EWOV), I am walking, running, and cycling 100km to raise donations to fight this ever-growing epidemic. My personal fundraising goal is $240 in recognition of each female victim-survivor that will report a sexual offence during the challenge.
Your tax-deductible donation to UN Women Australia will support empowerment of women and girls, education of men and boys, provide legal assistance, psychosocial counselling, and strengthen implementation of laws, policies, and action plans to address violence against women and girls on a global scale.
For 24-hour counselling for any Australian who has experienced or is at risk of sexual, family and domestic violence, please call 1800RESPECT (1800 737 732).