Regional areas the worst for sex crimes in Victoria

New crime statistics have revealed the worst areas in Victoria for sex crimes. See how many were recorded in your local area.

The local government areas which recorded the highest number of sexual offences in 2021 have been revealed.

A Herald Sun analysis of Crime Statistics Victoria data found regional cities were some of the worst areas when it came to sex crimes, recording the most sexual offences per 100,000 people. This included two LGAs located in the Gippsland region.

A few populous metropolitan LGAs also made the list, with one recording more than 650 sex crimes in one year.

Sexual offences include rape, sexual assault such as unwanted touching or groping, and possessing and producing child pornography.

LGAs with the highest rate of sexual offences

Taking the lead with the highest rate of sexual offences is Ararat. In Victoria’s southwest, the regional town recorded 908 offences per 100,000 residents. Out of a population of more than 8000, 109 offences were reported last year.

Greater Shepparton saw 568 sexual offences reported to police in 2021 – that equates to 844 offences per 100,000. The regional city is the sixth most populous in Victoria, home to more than 66,000.

In the Gippsland region of Latrobe, 605 offences were recorded in a population of more than 75,000, which works out to 793 per 100,000 residents.

Regional areas and metropolitan councils known for their nightspots topped the list.

Tucked away in the state’s southwest lies the shire of Glenelg, where 143 sexual crimes were recorded last year – 731 offences per 100,000. As of 2020, 19,621 people called Glenelg home.

Wellington, in the state’s east, rounds out the top five LGAs in Victoria where the most sexual offences were recorded. Out of a population of around 44,000 people, 223 reports were made to police last year – 494 per 100,000.

Metropolitan LGAs with the highest rate of sexual offences

Out of all metropolitan LGAs, the state’s capital city was the worst perpetrator when it came to sex crimes. With a population of more than five million, the City of Melbourne saw 391 reports made to police per 100,000 residents, totalling 655 offences.

The Melbourne City Council area recorded 655 offences for sex crimes in 2021. Picture: Andrew Henshaw

The City of Yarra, which includes popular night spots Fitzroy and Richmond, closely followed, recording 344 offences per 100,000. 341 reports were made to police in this LGA, which has a population of more than 103,000.

Southeast of Melbourne, Greater Dandenong also had a high rate of sexual offences, with 251 crimes per 100,000 residents. With a large population of 166,094, 413 offences were reported last year.

LGAs with the lowest rate of sexual offences

The regional councils of Queenscliffe and Hepburn recorded two and 11 sexual offences, respectively. Queenscliffe reported 66 per 100,000 while Hepburn recorded 68 per 100,000.

The metropolitan city of Boroondara, which covers the suburbs of Kew, Camberwell and Hawthorn reported 142 offences in total – 79 per 100,000.

Victoria Police now have more than 500 specially trained detectives who work within the state’s 28 sexual offences and child abuse investigation teams.

These detectives are trained to understand sexual offending, to hold perpetrators to account and to support victims.

Family Violence Command Assistant Commissioner Lauren Callaway said police always encourage victims of sexual crimes to come forward.

“Given the significant prevalence and under reporting of sexual offending in the community, the increase in reporting indicates that victims feel confident in coming forward and seeking help from police,” Commissioner Callaway said.