The NSW Police sex crimes squad has teamed up with consent activist Chanel Contos to coordinate its response to sexual assault complaints, assuring victims they can make an informal report to police online.
The force launched Operation Vest on Tuesday in response to , started by Ms Contos, that details thousands of testimonies of teenage sexual assault in Australian schools.
Ms Contos, a former Kambala student in Sydney, started the petition calling for a more comprehensive sex education curriculum last month. Since then, she has shared around 5,000 anonymous testimonies from current and former private school students across the country.
NSW Police has been working with Ms Contos to prepare for a surge in reports and to provide sexual assault victims with as many options as possible to come forward - including for those who do not wish to make a formal complaint.
Child Abuse and Sex Crimes Squad Detective Superintendent Stacey Maloney, who will coordinate the police operation, acknowledged the courage of young women who have come forward as victims of sexual violence.
"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," she said in a statement.
Ms Contos said the police operation aimed to create an environment "where it is normal for individuals to speak up about and report sexual assault".
"My hope is that this will normalise reporting sexual assault, and give support and validation to those who formally report in future," she wrote on Instagram.
One option for sexual assault victims is an online questionnaire that enables them to share their story without formally reporting the matter to police.
The does not launch a criminal investigation but keeps the information detailed on record if the alleged perpetrator or perpetrators are reported for similar offences in future.
While SARO is not a new reporting method, a NSW Police spokesman told SBS News the force has reviewed its systems to handle the expected influx of online reports.
According to police, the victim can provide as much information as they are comfortable with, and can choose to do so anonymously. Alleged offenders are not notified.
"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," NSW Police said.
If a formal complaint about the same person is made in future, police will be able to contact who made the informal report.
"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 the process," Detective Superintendent Maloney said.
She acknowledged filling out the questionnaire may be difficult for victims, and encouraged them to discuss it with a counsellor or complete it in a safe space.
Ms Contos said reporting in this way "can bring closure to many and reduce the chances of repeat offenders socialising in our society."
"Victims need to feel heard," she said.
NSW Police encouraged victims who wish to make a formal complaint to call Triple Zero in the immediate aftermath of the sexual assault. Otherwise, they can phone their local police station and make an appointment to speak with an officer at a time they're comfortable with.
Those who live outside NSW can attend a police station and make a report. NSW Police will then organise a case transfer.
"This course of action may lead to a criminal investigation if you choose to proceed with the matter," police said.
"NSW Police will not pursue a criminal investigation through to the court process without gaining your permission by way of a formal statement."
Ms Contos said the police operation will be used as a call for urgent educational, cultural and structure reforms.
"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," she said.
If you would like to make contact with a counsellor, or any other form of support, call the Victims Access Line on 1800 633 063 or Rape Crisis on 1800 424 017. A trained counsellor can discuss your needs and refer you to someone who can help.
If you or someone you know is impacted by family and domestic violence or sexual assault, call 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732 or visit . In an emergency, call 000.
Readers seeking support with mental health can contact Beyond Blue on 1300 22 4636. More information is available at . supports people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.
