Sexual violence, a term that covers a wide range of criminal behaviours, occurs with alarming frequency within the Australian population. Recent research suggests that 1.2 million adult women in Australia have experienced an incident of sexual violence since the age of 15. While there is presently no measure of the true incidence of sexual violence amongst the male population, recorded crime statistics indicate that males in the 10-14 year age group experience a rate of victimisation of 86 per 100,000 population. It is likely that the real figures are much higher. The impact of these crimes on the individuals concerned, their friends and families, and the community generally, cannot be overstated. This report will summarise what we know, and what we do not know, about sexual violence in Australia. It is well documented that sexual violence is a crime overwhelmingly perpetrated by males against females but within these two groups there is room for considerable variation. Factors such as age, race, physical or mental impairment, drug and alcohol use, occupation and prior experiences of victimisation are also relevant. As a result, sexual violence disproportionately affects certain groups within the Australian community. The effects of sexual violence on the individual (and their immediate social and family network) can be devastating and long-lasting. Victim/survivors may experience a combination of effects, including emotional, social, interpersonal, educational, vocational and financial repercussions. The Australian criminal justice system and governments have developed a range of programs and services to address the issue of sexual violence-both from the perspective of offending and victimisation. These responses will be considered in this report.

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