While the anonymous option has been in place since 2012,the new online version was unveiled in 12 languages on Friday,making it more accessible to victims.
The new system,accessed through acommunity portal on the NSW Police website,replaces the old process that required victims to download,print out and complete 14-page document,then email it back to the State Crime Command’s sex crimes squad.
Importantly,a report via SARO does not in itself commence a police investigation,and police still encourage victims to make a formal report. Through the SARO system,victims can report anonymously without further contact from police,or they can elect to be identified and request that police follow up in certain circumstances,NSW Police Commissioner Karen Webb said.
NSW Police Minister and Deputy Premier Paul Toole said the system “empowers victims of sexual assault to take the first step and record their sexual assault,whether or not they wish at a later date to have the matter investigated”.
Webb said the system helps victim-survivors of sexual violence retain control over their level of contact with police and what happens next.
“For many victim-survivors,a police investigation and court process are the furthest thing from their mind and often they feel further traumatised through the process,” she said.