Spike in reports of sexual assault after Higgins’ allegations

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The spike matches saturated media coverage of a number of high-profile sexual assault allegations that came to light in late February and March 2021.

The office said the increase was a mix of contemporary and historical assaults.

Australia has been rocked by scandals inside Parliament, where Ms Higgins alleges she was raped by a colleague in 2019. Mr Porter has also been the subject of a historic rape allegation, which he said denies.

NSW has also been rocked by a petition set up by Sydney private school alumnus Chanel Contos where female students detailed their experiences of sexual assault by male college students.

These cases have dramatically increased public engagement on issues of sexual violence, victims’ rights, consent and gender equality, according to the report.

The report noted an increase in Google searches for sexual assault in New South Wales, with greater Sydney seeing a larger increase in assaults compared to the New South Wales region.

The Womens March 4 Justice events have also been given renewed public attention.

While the sharp jump in March 2021 appears to have been an aberration, the small but steady increase in sexual assault brought to the attention of police over many years is consistent and deserves future attention, according to the report.

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