Sexual assaults in schools: NSW Police joins forces with Chanel Contos to urge victims to come forward

Police have teamed up with the woman behind a petition that gathered thousands of sexual assault stories, and come up with a game-changing plan.

NSW Police has joined forces with the woman behind a viral petition that gathered thousands of stories of sexual assault to make it easier for survivors to come forward.

Overnight, the force announced it is launching Operation Vest in response to the movement which has brought out thousands of sickening testimonies from students and former students over the past month.

Roughly 5000 testimonies have been brought forward. Some have since been made as formal complaints to the police and officers are preparing for many more to come forward.

In response, the new operation encourages sexual assault victims to report their experiences using a digital form that does not launch a criminal investigation but keeps complaints on record if alleged perpetrators are reported for sexual offences in the future.

It will be run by the State Crime Command’s Child Abuse and Sex Crimes Squad which will work closely with commands and districts across the state.

NSW Police said the operation recognises the roadblocks that stop many sexual assault victims from reporting their attacks, which can include embarrassment, concerns about repercussions, confidentiality and being believed.

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A viral petition from Chanel Contos has exposed thousands of testimonies of sexual assault. Picture: Hollie Adams for News360

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Commander of the Child Abuse and Sex Crimes Squad Detective Superintendent Stacey Maloney commended the bravery of the young women prepared to share their stories.

“We must acknowledge the courage it takes victims of sexual violence to come forward and tell their stories,” Det Supt Maloney said.

“Re-telling your story means reliving your trauma, and NSW Police are committed to a framework that supports a victim’s pursuit for justice but also ensures they have access to services that provide the appropriate support.

“We want you to know that if you share your story with us, we will listen to you and if you decide to pursue legal action, immediately or anytime thereafter, we will stand by your side through that process.”

Victims of sexual assault who do not want to make a formal complaint are encouraged to fill out NSW Police’s online Sexual Assault Reporting Option (SARO) form and include as much detail as they feel comfortable with.

They can choose to remain anonymous, the alleged offender will not be notified and the report will not initiate a criminal investigation unless the victim requests otherwise.

Sydneysider Chanel Contos – who launched the viral petition exposing thousands of stories of sexual assault – said the new police operation was about creating an environment where it is “normal for individuals to speak up about and report sexual assault”.

Detective Superintendent Stacey Maloney spoke of the ‘courage’ of those coming forward. Picture: NCA NewsWire/Gaye Gerard

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“Victims need to feel heard, and reporting in this way can bring closure to many and reduce the chances of repeat offenders socialising in our society,” she said.

She added that the process will also be used to “emphasise the need for structural reform in our society”.

“Operation Vest reports will be used as a call for urgent educational, cultural and structural reforms in our society,” she said. “It will also be used to emphasise the need for a Sexual Violence Policy to be implemented in the NSW police force, and for funding to go into this software for it to be optimised and rolled out Australia-wide.”

HOW YOU CAN REPORT A SEXUAL ASSAULT

NSW Police said in a statement the “preferred” formal options for reporting sexual assault included calling triple-0, phoning or attending a police station and calling Crime Stoppers.

“This course of action may lead to a criminal investigation if you choose to proceed with the matter,” the release said.

“NSW Police will not pursue a criminal investigation through to the court process without gaining your permission by way of a formal statement.”

However, if the victim chooses not to proceed to the courts, their report informs NSW Police of a potential offender in the community, enabling investigators to be aware of their potential threat while also assisting with future investigations.

“We certainly encourage victims of sexual violence to come forward and report their matters, as their assault may not be isolated,” Det Supt Maloney said.

“Your matter may be connected to other incidents of sexual violence and provide investigators with additional information to prevent perpetrators from reoffending.”

Another option if a person decides not to formally report, is to complete a Sexual Assault Reporting Option (SARO).

Ms Contos said the operation was about creating an environment where it is ‘normal for individuals to speak up’. Picture: Supplied

A SARO is a questionnaire which enables victims to share their story without formally reporting the matter to police.

The victim can choose to provide their details or report anonymously. This informal report will not initiate a criminal investigation but by completing this questionnaire, the information gathered may be used to help police develop strategies which target offenders, protect the community and reduce repeat offending.

If the SARO report relates to a child or young person under the age of 18 years old, the NSWPF must notify Community Services through the Child Protection Helpline.

“We understand that completing this questionnaire may be difficult for victims as they are being asked to remember, in some detail, what happened,” Det Supt Maloney said.

“For victims, if you are seeing a counsellor, it may be useful to talk with them before filling it in so you can prepare a few helpful strategies, such as completing the questionnaire in a place where you feel safe and have some privacy.”

If you or someone you know is seeking further support, please contact the Victims Access Line on 1800 633 063 or Rape Crisis on 1800 424 017.