By CHARLENE MACAULAY
ONE in three women and one in six men will be sexually abused in their lifetime – but in the West, only a fraction of those offences are being reported to police.
Statistics from the Western Region Centre Against Sexual Assault (West CASA) reveal 587 sexual assault victims sought help in 2012, with the bulk of clients aged between 15 and 29 years old.
A total 25 per cent of victims came from Wyndham, 20 per cent from Brimbank, 17 per cent from Melton, 15 per cent from Maribyrnong and 10 per cent from Hobsons Bay.
West CASA provides a free sexual assault counselling service and receives referrals from the Footscray Sexual Offences and Child Abuse Investigation Team.
Detective Senior Sergeant Jenny Wilson from the Footscray Sexual Offences unit said despite increased reporting to police, many victims still will not report their abuse due to the shame and guilt surrounding the attack.
The unit, which handles all sexual assault cases and victim management, covers the Maribyrnong, Hobsons Bay, Wyndham, Melton and Brimbank municipalities.
Victoria Police statistics for 2011-12 revealed an 11.8 per cent increase in rape offences on the previous year, with a total 2044 attacks recorded state-wide.
“We’ve still got a long way to go,” Sen Sgt Wilson said.
“We recognise an important part of the judicial process is giving the victims adequate support.”
West CASA CEO Jane Vanderstole likened the problem to a funnel – with the top of the funnel representing the number of sexual assault victims, and the decreasing number that seek support, report it to police and make it to court.
Those who need assistance following a sexual assault should call triple zero or West CASA on 9687 8637.
