Further Research

http://helpauckland.org.nz/get-info/statistics

Sexual abuse is one of the key social problems undermining the health and wellbeing of our population today. 

Approximately 1 in 5 New Zealand women experience a serious sexual assault. For some women, this happens more than once.

Young people are statistically at the highest risk of being sexually assaulted; the 16 – 24 year old age group is four times more likely to be sexually assaulted than any other age group.

Only about 10 out of 100 sexual abuse crimes are reported and 3 of those get to court. Sadly, only one of those is likely to get a conviction.

auckland.org.nz/get-info/myth-busting

Myths

Rape is Sex.

Rape is experienced by the victims as an act of violence, which can sometimes be life-threatening. Rape is about having power and control over someone; it is an attempt to hurt and humiliate.

She “asked” for it.

·       Clothes do not invite sexual assault.

·       Being out late at night alone does not invite sexual assault.

·       Being drunk or ‘out of it’ on drugs does not invite sexual assault.

·       Flirting with someone does not invite sexual assault.

·       Being in a relationship does not invite sexual assault.

·       Not fighting back does not invite sexual assault.

·       Nothing invites sexual assault.

·       Rape is the responsibility of the rapist alone.

It doesn’t happen often.

Unfortunately, sexual assaults are very common. In fact, it is estimated that 1 in 3 girls and 1 in 7 boys are sexually abused in some way before they reach adulthood. Most likely, someone you know has been affected by sexual assault, as rape is the most frequently committed violent crime in this country. Only about 10% ever get reported to the Police

http://rpe.co.nz/information/statistics/

In Aotearoa New Zealand, up to one in three girls will be subject to an unwanted sexual experience by the age of 16 years. The majority of those incidences would be considered serious, with over 70% involving genital contact¹.

For Maori girls and women the likelihood of sexual violence is nearly twice as high as the general population³. Pacific and migrant women are also at statistically greater risk of sexual violence⁴.

Repeat sexual violence is a serious issue, with over 25% of adults in victimisation surveys reporting more than one incident, and qualitative research finding that survivors with a history of repeat victimisation are particularly vulnerable to sexual violence and have high and complex needs. 

In opposition to widespread myths about stranger rape, it is estimated that 90% of sexual violence is committed by someone known to the victim/survivor⁷.

Media

Media reporting on issues of sexual violence is often under-informed and defends public myths and misconceptions about the dynamics of sexual violence. This misinformation affects society’s shared understanding of and attitudes to sexual violence, promoting false narratives and rape-supportive attitudes in society¹⁰.

Ranking

In the United Nations Report on the Status of Women published in 2011, Aotearoa New Zealand was ranked worst of all OECD countries in rates of sexual violence¹¹.

http://www.wellingtonhelp.org.nz/ ­­­– Current organisation in wellington helping to combat sexual violence

http://www.whoareyou.co.nz/ – Wellington city sexual violence prevention campaign