This content contains information some readers may find distressing as it refers to information about family, domestic and sexual violence. If the information presented raises any issues for you, or someone you know, contact 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732. See also Find support for a list of support services.
Family, domestic and sexual violence Home
Women who experienced sexual assault where the incident was reported to police
Measure: Proportion of women who experienced sexual assault by a male in the last 5 years where the incident was reported to police
-
Baseline value
9.5%
-
Latest value
9.5%in 2021–22
Last updated:
Interpretation
An increase in the proportion of women who experienced sexual assault where the incident was reported to police may indicate more confidence and willingness to seek support for sexual assault. People may seek help and support from different sources following sexual assault, and these data should be considered alongside other data that looks at help-seeking from other sources.
The proportion of people who reported sexual assault to the police can increase for a number of reasons. For example, an increase in media reporting on a particular issue can lead to an increase in people seeking support.
Outcome: 1 Systems and institutions effectively support and protect people impacted by gender-based violence (GBV)
Sub-outcome: 1.3 Systems and institutions are culturally safe, accessible, inclusive, trauma-informed and centre lived experience
Indicator: Increased confidence and trust in the systems and institutions to respond to GBV and keep communities safe
Baseline: 2021–22
Latest year: 2021–22
Data source: ABS Personal Safety Survey
Source: DSS 2024.
For information about how this measure is derived, please refer to the Technical specifications for National Plan Outcomes.
Additional National Plan Outcomes data are available from the Data downloads page.
Time series
Women who experienced sexual assault by a male in the last 5 years where the incident was reported to police, 2005 to 2021–22
Year | Per cent |
---|---|
2005 | 17.1^% |
2012 | 17.6^% |
2016 | 12.5% |
2021–22 | 9.5% |
Note: Police may have been contacted by the respondent or by someone else.
For more information, see Data sources and technical notes
^: statistically significant difference to the 2021–22 reporting rate.
Population characteristics
Age
Women who experienced sexual assault by a male in the last 5 years where the incident was reported to police, by age group, 2016 and 2021–22
Age group | 2016 | 2021–22 (baseline) |
---|---|---|
18–34 | 12.0% | 7.0*% |
35–54 | 13.7% | 10.6*% |
Notes:
- Police may have been contacted by the respondent or by someone else.
- Age group refers to age at the time of interview.
For more information, see Data sources and technical notes
*: estimate has a relative standard error of 25% to 50% and should be used with caution.
Disability status
Women who experienced sexual assault by a male in the last 5 years where the incident was reported to police, by disability status, 2016 and 2021–22
Disability status | 2016 | 2021–22 (baseline) |
---|---|---|
Has disability | 13.5% | 11.5*% |
Does not have disability | 11.0% | 8.0*% |
Notes:
- Police may have been contacted by the respondent or by someone else.
- Disability refers to any limitation, restriction or impairment which restricts everyday activities and has lasted, or is likely to last, for at least six months.
- Refers to disability status at the time of interview.
For more information, see Data sources and technical notes
*: estimate has a relative standard error of 25% to 50% and should be used with caution.
Related material
See the related content in the AIHW Family, domestic and sexual violence website:
More information
DSS (2024) Performance measurement plan, DSS, accessed 8 May 2024.
Related measures
See the related National Plan Outcomes measures:
- Previous page People who were sexually assaulted in a university context who sought help from the university
- Next page Workplaces with strategies in place targeting sexual harassment