A study by the Australian Institute of Family Studies showed more than half of Australian teenagers aged between 16 and 19, including almost two-thirds of young women, had experienced sexual harassment.
April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month and Victoria Police are urging people to contact police if they experience any form of sexual offending linked to the use of dating apps.
Dating apps have become a common way for people to connect, and while many users have a positive experience, there has been an increase in reports of people being sexually assaulted after meeting in person.
Melbourne Sexual Offence and Child Abuse Investigation Team Detective Senior Sergeant Monique Kelley said police take any report of sexual offences extremely seriously.
“Our detectives are seeing far too many sexual offences via the use of dating apps and it needs to stop. The crime will not be tolerated,” Snr Sgt Kelley said.
“Everyone has a right to go about their lives, meet new people and start a relationship in safety.
Victoria Police make it clear that any form of sexual offending is completely unacceptable, and consent can be given or withdrawn, at any time, for any reason.
By law, you must follow the affirmative consent model before engaging in, and during, sexual activity. Affirmative consent means that the people involved must actively ask that they have consent from each other.
While police encourage victims to report sexual offences as soon as possible, it doesn’t matter how much time has passed, they are always able to investigate.
“The message we want to get out there to victims is: when you’re ready, speak to us, speak to someone, reach out,” Snr Sgt Kelley said.
“We want victims to know it is never too late to come forward and make a report. We are always able to investigate a sexual offence, regardless of when it occurred.”
Sexual Crimes Squad Detective Inspector Mark Burnett said police commonly saw a sense of obligation in victims, a feeling that they “owe” the offender something because this person has spent time messaging them, or travelled to see them, or bought them a meal or drink.
“I really want to be clear that you do not owe anyone anything, ever,” Insp Burnett said.
“Please also choose your meeting locations carefully.”
If you or someone you know has been a victim of a sexual offence, please come forward and contact police so it can be investigated.
Support and advice are also available from Sexual Assault Crisis Line (1800 806 292) or the National Sexual Assault and Domestic Violence Counselling Service at 1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732).
Staying safe
•Consider your safety plan when meeting a stranger for the first time – including choosing a populated location, meeting during daylight hours, and sharing your location with friends.
•Always view an app’s community guidelines, terms of service and safety tips prior to using their service to ensure that you are comfortable with how they will support you if you encounter an issue.
16°C