Georgina Heyden, a criminologist from RMIT University, is advocating for the establishment of an anonymous online reporting system in Victoria to assist victims of sexual violence in bringing their experiences to light without fear of judgment or legal repercussions. This call for action comes on the heels of a troubling incident where a female hiker reported being assaulted while walking alone in a remote area. The case underscores the alarming reality that a significant number of sexual violence incidents remain unreported, with many victims feeling uncertain about the legal intricacies surrounding their experiences.

According to Heyden, over 90 percent of sexual violence incidents in Victoria are never reported to the police. The reluctance of victims to come forward is partly attributed to confusion over what constitutes a legal grey area, which leads many to doubt the legitimacy or seriousness of their experiences. Experts in the field, including Heyden, have engaged extensively with various stakeholders, including law enforcement and support services, to better understand and address the barriers faced by victim-survivors in reporting these crimes.

The issue raises important questions about how society addresses and acknowledges sexual violence, as well as the need for support systems that can empower victims. Victoria Police has acknowledged the challenges inherent in reporting such offenses and recognizes that taking the initial step to report can be incredibly daunting for victims. By implementing an anonymous reporting system, advocates hope to create a safer space for victims to share their stories and seek justice without the added fear of stigma or misunderstanding from the community.