Alternative reporting options for sexual assault: Investigating their use, purpose and potential

This project examines anonymous reporting options for sexual assault victim-survivors. It also investigates the efficacy of alternative reporting for criminal justice and victim-survivor outcomes by engaging with Victoria Police, the New South Wales Police Force and sexual assault support service providers in Victoria, New South Wales and Queensland. The project identified ways to enhance these reporting mechanisms that will contribute to better justice outcomes for end users. The project found that alternative reporting options operate as an ‘in between’ pathway for victim-survivors who are unsure about engaging with police. They enable victim-survivors to tell their story in their own words, giving them autonomy and control. Alternative reporting options also assist police with intelligence gathering in unique ways. However, completing an alternative reporting form may be traumatic in the absence of therapeutic support.