Rape reports soaring ‘as victims speak up’

ERIN PEARSON
A 31.7 PER CENT surge in reports of sex attacks show a new strategy encouraging victims to come forward is working, according to Geelong’s top cop.
Geelong Police Inspector Chris Gawne said the new statistics showed more victims were now coming forward because of increased awareness they would be “handled with care”.
“The increase is seen to be a positive because people now have confidence these matters will be dealt with efficiently and respectfully,” Insp Gawne said.
“It’s confirmation the city’s new sexual assault department is working.”
The Independent reported in July that police believed centralising of investigators and counsellors into a new team had eased trauma on victims who were previously transferred between departments.
Insp Gawne said many victims were also now coming forward about attacks from “some time ago”.
The latest statistics also revealed that non-residential burglary offences had skyrocketed 62.2 per cent in 2010/2011.
Robbery was up 15.4 per cent, assault 5.2 per cent and theft of motor vehicles 42.1 per cent.
Insp Gawne said Geelong Police would continue its strategies to combat the crimes.
He said the numbers were “of concern”.
“We’re making the targeting of repeat offenders a priority; people who we know commit burglary as a way of life.
“We also want to cut down on youth crime.
“The community may not see an overnight result but we’d like to think we can see the numbers starting to trend down in the coming months.”
State Police Minister Peter Ryan said the Baillieu Government would honour its commitment to deploy an extra 1700 police and 940 new service officers before November, 2014.
“The Coalition Government is providing the largest single increase in frontline police numbers over one term of government in the history….so that families can feel safe again on the streets, on public transport and in their own homes.”