NCJ Number
144948
Date Published
1993
Length
16 pages
Annotation
This issue of Crime and Justice Bulletin focuses on sexual assault in New South Wales (NSW) and the laws regarding it; trends; and what to do about it.
Abstract
Until 1981, the law included a narrow definition of rape--penile penetration of the vagina of a nonconsenting woman, a maximum penalty of life imprisonment, and no limits on the admission of evidence regarding the victim's sexual history. With the Crimes Amendment Act of 1981 came the creation of graduated categories of sexual assault, and a shift of emphasis from the sexual to the violent aspects of the offense. In 1989, the definition of sexual intercourse was broadened to include unwanted penetration of any orifice, by any foreign object. For purposes of the article, the authors analyzed data in terms of three categories based on degree of seriousness: aggravated sexual assault, sexual intercourse without consent, and indecent assault. According to police statistics, between 1989 and 1991, there were 5,203 adult sexual assaults in NSW, for an average annual victimization rate of 38.8 per 100,000 population. About half (51.1 percent) were the least serious type, indecent assault. Just over one-third (37.1 percent) were sexual intercourse without consent; and 11.8 percent were the most serious type, aggravated sexual assault. Most (90.2 percent) of the victims were female, and in most cases, the victim and offender were friends or acquaintances. Tables and figures show incidence and conviction trend data for the past several years. The article closes with reminders of basic precautionary measures to discourage sexual assault, possible courses of action in case of attack, and a description of victim services. 4 tables, 10 figures, and 84 endnotes