From our research into Sexual Assault in New Zealand, we have found some extremely distressing statistics including:
- Only about 10 out of 100 sexual abuse crimes are reported and 3 of those get to court. (https://www.helpauckland.org.nz/sexual-abuse-statistics.html)
- Statistics show that one in three girls may be sexually abused before turning 16 years old in New Zealand.
(https://www.helpauckland.org.nz/sexual-abuse-statistics.html)
- It has been statistically proven that people within younger age groups are at a higher risk of sexual assault. People within the 16-24 year old age group are up to four times more likely to be sexually assaulted than any other age group.
(http://www.whanganuisafe.com/getanswers/statistics/#:~:text=Approximately%201%20in%205%20New,than%20any%20other%20age%20group)
- In a recent Auckland study, more than 23% of women who participated reported to have been sexually assaulted as children. The study also found that these victims of childhood sexual abuse are twice as likely as non-victims to experience later personal violence. (https://www.helpauckland.org.nz/sexual-abuse-statistics.html)
These statistics are simply worrying. As a group we can clearly see that the issue of sexual assault is happening currently and frequently, even though we may not always be aware. We encourage you to speak up and support those who have the courage to do so. We live in a society where we are often pinned against each other, but within situations like this it is vital to back each other up in building a safer New Zealand culture for all generations.