Sexual violence is a term that covers a wide range of criminal behaviours perpetrated against both adults and children, and people of all backgrounds.
Research suggests that the incidence of sexual violence in Australia is alarmingly high.
Although it is well documented that sexual violence is a crime overwhelmingly perpetrated by males against females, 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 experience of victimisation are also relevant. As a result, sexual violence disproportionately affects certain groups within the community. Importantly, the report also considers the consequences of sexual violence, including physical, social, economic and psychological effects. The impact of these crimes on all of the individuals concerned, their friends and families, and the community generally, cannot be overstated.