Cassy O'Connor MP | Greens Leader
Today’s Productivity Commission data shows sexual assault reports have dramatically increased in Tasmania in the last year. The number of assaults hovered around 200 a year between 2014 and 2019, increasing to 307 cases in 2020, and again to 470 in 2021.
The rate of sexual assaults being reported in Tasmania is a serious concern. It once again highlights the need for continued investment, support, and reform to stop the violence.
The number of young people reporting being sexually assaulted is also alarming. Recorded victims of sexual assault aged 0-17 years old increased from 130 cases in 2019 to 280 in 2021.
These are deeply distressing figures, and they highlight how far we still have to go when it comes to dealing with sexual violence.
Women and gender diverse people – who bear the overwhelming brunt of sexual violence – have the fundamental right to be safe in our society. Tragically, that is still too often not the case.
The Greens recognise the Rockliff Government’s commitment to establishing multidisciplinary centres to respond to family and sexual violence, and other steps that have been taken in recent years. It’s clear there is still more to do.
The fallout from sexual assault can be devastating. Government must be open to listening to the experts and victim survivors, changing the way things have been done and providing whatever resources are needed to protect Tasmanians.
All elected representatives and community leaders are part of creating social change. Calling out the behaviours that contribute to toxic masculinity, and that ignore or encourage sexual harassment and victim blaming, is everyone’s responsibility.
It’s not an easy task, but that must not stop us from doing everything we can to reduce sexual violence.