Detective Superintendent Stacey Maloney launched Operation Vest with the support of Ms Contos on Tuesday night,encouraging 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 comes after Ms Contos’ calling for sex education reform collected about 5000 graphic,detailing Sydney women’s experiences of forced anal or oral sex,forced sex while they were intoxicated or passed out,and the distribution of pornographic material without consent.
Several women who signed the petition have since made formal complaints.
Police are preparing for a deluge of online reports that could emerge amid encouraging women to.
Ms Maloney commended the young women who had so far shared their stories,saying it took courage to re-live trauma and come forward as a victim of sexual violence.
“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,” she said.
“Your matter may be connected to other incidents of sexual violence and provide investigators with additional information to prevent perpetrators from reoffending.”
Ms Contos said the new police operation was not about “pointing fingers” but delivering empowerment,closure and support for victims and survivors of sexual assault.
“One of the whole reasons was how distressed I was when I found out my perpetrator also sexually assaulted my friend a year later. I don’t want that to happen to anyone else,” she said.
“I hope that the same bravery shown in the testimonies on my website is shown here.”
The child abuse and sex crimes squad will co-ordinate the operation and work closely with police commands and districts across the state. NSW Police has also reviewed its systems to cope with a potential influx of online reports.
Victims of sexual assault who do not want to make a formal complaint are encouraged to fill out NSW Police’s 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.
But the informal reports could provide crucial intelligence about the prevalence of sexual assault and potential offenders. If a victim makes a formal complaint in the future,police will be able to contact people who made informal reports saying they were sexually assaulted by the same person.
‘I want to normalise reporting sexual assault’
Ms Contos planned to submit her own SARO report on Tuesday night as part of the campaign. She said she hoped to create an environment where it was normal for people to speak out and report their sexual assault.
“I want to provide justice for people who were so young or uneducated that they didn’t know it was sexual assault at the time,” she said.
“And I want to create an environment where people feel as though we’re supporting each other,so that if there is a repeat offender,the person who is brave enough to report to the police has the backing of people’s historical claims.”
She said the reporting campaign was “forward-facing”,much like her push for education reform.
“It’s validation for future victims. At the same time,it’s prevention for people who think something they’ve done in the past is not right;they have to be very conscious of their actions in the future,” she said.
Recorded sexual assault incidents rose by 10 per cent in the 24 months to December last year,but it remains one of the most under-reported crimes. NSW Police Commissioner Mick Fuller last week said it was “the single crime problem that we[NSW Police] are really struggling with”.
Ms Maloney,who became commander of the sex crimes squad last month,said NSW Police was committed to supporting a victim’s pursuit for justice and providing appropriate support.
“We understand that completing this questionnaire may be difficult for victims as they are being asked to remember,in some detail,what happened,” she said. “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.”
Sexual Assault,Family&Domestic Violence Counselling Line:1800 737 732