Alternative reporting options for sexual assault: Perspectives of victim‑survivors

A world-first report examining alternative ways for victim-survivors to report sexual assault says under-reporting could be reduced if moved away from law enforcement, but it will need greater support and funding to be sustainable and secure. 

Only 13% of women report sexual assaults to police and 50% of victim-survivors seek help from a counselling or specialist support service, but alternative reporting options could help increase these numbers. 

The research by RMIT University, University of Wollongong and La Trobe University found a trauma-informed, written interview designed in line with best-practice techniques could help improve outcomes for victim-survivors of sexual assault who use it.  

Read and download the full study