Getting results on sex crimes

AFTER nearly a year in operation, the Townsville Sexual Assault Response Team ( SART) is being hailed a massive success in bringing predators to justice and victim support.

The group, formed last July, is made up of Townsville detectives and support agencies, including the Women’s Centre.

SART has been instrumental in bringing 23 offenders to justice on more than 150 charges, including rape and sexual assault, in the past 10 months.

Detective Senior Sergeant Phil Watts said the unit had dealt with a lot of historical offences.

“I think that is due to the relationships we have built up with the Women’s Centre,” Sen- Sgt Watts said. “They’ve got some faith in the way these things are being handled now which makes them more open to referring people to us and now the victims have them to support them through the process as well.

“It is still, absolutely, the most under- reported crime. We’ve made steps in the right direction, but there is still more work to be done in this area.

“The whole SART model has worked very well and I think that is due to the core agencies that have an open communication and address issues as they arise. We are all very committed to making sure these victims get justice.”

Women’s Centre Townsville co- ordinator Cathy Crawford said victims were responding well to SART support.

“The reporting and the support through the police investigative process has been very successful and certainly feedback from victims has shown they feel more able to talk to police and are better supported to cope with that process,” Ms Crawford said.

“It’s a positive step in that they know where to come, they seek the support and are doing something in the early days rather than not doing something about it for years and years and years.

“I think it’s a long journey and the more that it is known that you do get support at the time of reporting, the more chance we’ve got more reporting. Will we see an increase in reporting as the community get to know that you will be supported, that it’s not such a negative process.”

If you or someone you know is impacted by family violence, phone 1800 737 732 or visit 1800RESPECT. org. au. In an emergency, phone 000.

If you or someone you know needs help, phone Lifeline on 131 114.