Media Release: Urgent Call to Address High Rates of Sexual Violence Perpetration in Australia
New Research Highlights Alarming Rates of Sexual Violence Perpetration in Australia
Melbourne, Australia – The Progressive Therapeutic Collective (PTC) responds to the Australian Institute of Criminology’s (AIC) latest study, revealing that over 22% of Australian adults aged 18-45 have committed some form of sexual violence. This critical research underscores the urgent need for targeted prevention strategies and comprehensive support systems.
The study, detailed in Statistical Bulletin 45, represents a significant advancement in understanding the scope of sexual violence perpetration. Key findings include:
22.1% of respondents reported committing sexual violence since turning 18.
9.9% admitted to such actions in the past 12 months.
Men were significantly more likely to perpetrate sexual violence compared to women, with 26.4% of men and 17.7% of women reporting such behaviors since adulthood.
The study categorizes sexual violence into harassment and coercion, assault, and image-based abuse (IBSA), with men predominantly reporting higher rates across all categories. Notably, 16.1% of respondents engaged in sexual harassment or coercion, 11.4% in sexual assault, and 3.3% in IBSA.
Sarah Newbold, founder of PTC, emphasized the critical implications of these findings:
“Sexual violence is a pervasive issue that demands immediate and targeted intervention. This study highlights the gendered nature of this violence and the need for specific programs aimed at educating men and boys about consent and respectful relationships. We must also strengthen support for vulnerable populations and ensure comprehensive data collection to inform policy-making.”
PTC’s Call to Action:
Gender-Specific Interventions: Develop and implement programs that address toxic masculinity and promote respectful relationships.
Educational Initiatives: Incorporate mandatory training on consent and sexual violence prevention in schools, universities, and workplaces.
Support for Vulnerable Populations: Provide tailored support services for LGBTQ+ individuals, non-English-speaking communities, and First Nations people.
Enhanced Data Collection: Support ongoing national surveys and research to maintain a robust understanding of sexual violence trends.
PTC is committed to leveraging these insights to advocate for comprehensive strategies that address the root causes of sexual violence and support affected individuals.
For more detailed findings and recommendations, visit the AIC website and access Statistical Bulletin 45.