Huge impact of Brittany Higgins, Grace Tame, Chanel Contos on police reports of rape allegations

There has been a “sharp and unexpected” spike in police reports of rape allegations and it has a lot to do with activists such as Brittany Higgins, Grace Tame and Chanel Contos.

Female activists including Brittany Higgins, Grace Tame and Chanel Contos’ campaign for a national debate over the prevalence of sexual assault and consent has sparked a “sharp and unexpected” spike in police reports of rape allegations.

New South Wales Attorney-General and Minister for Prevention of Domestic and Sexual Violence Mark Speakman has revealed the extraordinary spike in sexual assault reports today.

It also follows national headlines over historic rape allegations made against former Attorney-General Christian Porter, which he firmly denies and launched defamation action over.

The NSW Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research (BOCSAR) brief has revealed there’s been a 61 per cent increase in sexual assault incidents reported to NSW Police in March 2021, compared with the monthly average over the previous year.

“I commend the extraordinary courage of all of the victim-survivors who’ve recently contacted police to report sexual assaults,” Mr Speakman said.

“Our message to victim-survivors is please know that you are not alone, and that help is available, whether that’s contacting the police or another support or counselling service.”

And while experts can’t pinpoint the exact reasons for the spike, they believe that media coverage over Australian of the Year Grace Tame and former Liberal staffer Brittany Higgins’ allegation she was sexually assaulted were a big factor.

Former Sydney schoolgirl Chanel Contos, who now lives in London, has also encouraged hundreds of women to discuss their experiences on Instagram and online.

RELATED: ‘Embarrassing’ ad swiftly pulled offline

Brittany Higgins following her speech at the Womens March 4 Justice in Canberra on March 15. Picture: Jamila Toderas/Getty Images

Australian of the Year, Grace Tame. Picture: Gary Ramage/NCA NewsWire

Former Kambala student Chanel Contos. Picture: Supplied

“While this spike comes off the back of intense media coverage and long overdue public discussion of sexual violence in our communities, it also demonstrates what we already knew, that these crimes are significantly under-reported each day,” Mr Speakman said.

NSW is now leading the reform agenda with a major overhaul of consent laws.

The changes will ensure that judges have the discretion to give their juries five directives that dispel stereotypes around how victims should behave or why some victims “freeze” during non consensual sex.

“They can’t assume from a lack of emotion that they are or they aren’t telling the truth,” he said. “You can’t assume from a lack of injury or violence that there has been consent.”

Juries will also be reminded that a victim’s clothing at the time of the offence does not determine consent.

“There cannot be consent unless the party has said something or done something to give consent,” Mr Speakman said.

“Consent has to be communicated by the other party saying something or doing something.”

NSW Police and Emergency Services David Elliott said today that while the increase in sexual assault allegations was disturbing, he was pleased women and men felt safe to come forward and ask for help.

“Although these figures are distressing, it is encouraging that there is an increased willingness to report sexual assaults and that is a testament to the strength of all victims who come forward, and to police for ensuring that victims know they will be supported and believed when they do,” Mr Elliott said.

RELATED: Big change to bring rape victims forward

Attorney-General Mark Speakman revealed the extraordinary spike in sexual assault reports today. Picture: Gaye Gerard/NCA NewsWire

State Crime Commander, Assistant Commissioner Stuart Smith praised victims for the coverage to come forward.

“It takes incredible courage to re-live trauma and come forward as a victim of sexual violence,” Assistant Commissioner Smith said.

“Since the launch of Operation Vest in March this year, there was a significant increase in the number of people in the community who came forward to report sexual violence.

“The courage and bravery displayed by those individuals has already led to significant law reform, with consent laws being strengthened and simplified across the state.

“NSW Police will always thoroughly investigate reports of sexual violence and it is important that as a community, we continue these conversations and keep encouraging people to come forward.”

More information on how to report sexual offences to the NSW Police is available on their website, including the Sexual Assault Reporting Option (SARO). And the NSW Rape Crisis helpline is 1800 424 017. The 24/7 phone counselling service is for anyone who is experiencing, or has experienced sexual violence, and their supporters.