YOUNG females in their late teens are more likely to be victims of sexual assault, and young males of the same age group are most likely to be recorded as perpetrators, new data shows.
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In 2018, police recorded around 18,300 sexual assaults against victims who were aged 15 and over when the assault was reported to police.
The Sexual Assault in Australia report released by the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW) on Friday includes data from a variety of sources on sexual violence.
While the AIHW report doesn't include sexual assaults by local government area, this data is available.
During 2018, there were 249 sexual assault in the region's largest LGAs, including: Dubbo (83 assaults), Orange (74), Bathurst (44), Mid-Western (26) and Lithgow (22), data from the NSW Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research shows.
In 2019 the number of assaults increased to 286, including: Dubbo (72 assaults), Orange (71), Bathurst (66), Mid-Western (48) and Lithgow (29).
The AIHW report showed that the sexual assault rate was higher for those aged 15-19 (455.0 per 100,000) than any other age group.
In 2016 it was estimated that perpetrators of sexual assault were four times as likely to be someone known to the victim as they were to be a stranger.
- AIHW spokesperson Louise York
This was true for both females (840.1 per 100,000) and males (86.7 per 100,000).
"In 2016 it was estimated that perpetrators of sexual assault were four times as likely to be someone known to the victim as they were to be a stranger," AIHW spokesperson Louise York said.
"In 2018-19, the vast majority (97 per cent) of sexual assault offenders recorded by police were male.
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"Young males aged 15-19 when police proceedings commenced, had the highest offender rates (102.9 per 100,000) of any age group."
The AIHW report also showed that defendants found guilty of sexual assault during 2018-19, the most common sentence was custody in a correctional institution (57 per cent).
"Custodial sentence length ranged from under three months (2.5 per cent sentences) to 10 or more years (5.8 per cent). Sentences of at least two but under five years were most common (30 per cent)."
Victims of sexual assault can present at any emergency department or call the hospital to speak to a sexual assault counsellor.
- Western NSW Local Health District spokeswoman
A Western NSW Local Health District (LHD) spokeswoman said presentations to sexual assault crisis services remains steady year-on-year, while services provided to victims have increased.
Victims of sexual assault can present at any emergency department or call the hospital to speak to a sexual assault counsellor.
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"Adult victims of sexual assault do not have to report to NSW Police to access counselling, medical care and forensic services," the spokeswoman said.
"NSW Police and the Department of Communities and Justice will only be contacted if: the victim requests it; they are in immediate danger; they are a risk to themselves or others; or a child is at risk of harm."
Specialist long-term counselling, support and advocacy for victims and non-offending family members is available through the LHD's Community Health Centre.
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"This service is free of charge and has no limits to the duration of the therapeutic services provided," the spokeswoman said.
The LHD's specialist health staff work with NSW Police and the Department of Communities and Justice to respond to serious child abuse, including child sexual assault.
If you are experiencing an emergency call triple-0 or call Lifeline on 13 11 14 for help in a crisis.