NSW Sexual Offences Have Increased by 21% – How Can Sydney Criminal Lawyers Help?

The NSW Bureau of Crime Figures and Research (BOCSAR) published new statistics on the 15^{th of} September 2021 showing that crime in much of NSW has stayed constant or decreased in the two years leading up to June 2021.

Australia’s federal, state, and territory governments began implementing various measures to prevent the spread of Coronavirus in March 2020 (COVID-19). All high-volume property and many violent crimes decreased dramatically in April 2020 as a result of pandemic-prevention measures.

Still, the level of crime reported by state and territorial police during 2021 is being influenced by these measures. As Sydney criminal lawyers, we are happy to share that the following offences are on the decline:

• Breaking and entering a home – down 16.6%
• Theft of motor vehicles – decreased by 8.6%.
• Stealing from a retail store – 13.9% decrease.
• Stealing from a residence – down 9.8%
• Stealing from a person – down 28.4%.
• Fraud – decreased by 11.5%.

However, unfortunately, sexual assault offences exhibited a significant increase in the 24 months leading up to June 2021. As the June 2021 figures show, the number of reported sexual assaults increased by 21.0 per cent year over year (up 1,367 incidents)!

Image Source: NSW Recorded Crime Statistics quarterly update June 2021

As previously reported, as a result of Covid-19 sexual assault complaints increased by 61% in March 2021, reflecting an unparalleled community attention on the incidence and response to sexual violence. The significant spike in March 2021 was only a blip on the radar.

Even Sydney criminal lawyers have recognised this increase, as we have seen sexual assault complaints have grown in the previous 24 months, regardless of the March 2021 jump (up 16.2% year-on-year excluding the March 2021 increase).

The rise in sexual assault is attributed to an increase in the following three types of sexual assault:

• Adult victims (aged 16 and up), up 27.2% or 683 incidents, with a 50% overall increase.
• Reports of child sexual abuse in the past, up 27.7% or 342 incidents, with a 25% overall increase.
• Current sexual attacks on children are being reported up 12.4% or 342 incidents, with a 25% overall increase.

Females appear to be almost exclusively responsible for the rise in adult victims. Victimisation rose for women of all ages, although it was exceptionally high among women aged 18 to 24. Assaults between intimate partners, mainly between a man and female, and between a husband and an ex-spouse, accounted for the majority of the rise.

As the best criminal lawyers Sydney, we recognise how the current COVID lockdowns across NSW have significantly influenced these crime patterns in the period since the data was gathered.

Although more specifically, BOCSAR stated that the spike appears to result from a temporary increase in victim willingness to disclose sexual assault in writing to criminal deference lawyers.

In addition, the rise coincides with widespread media coverage of several sexual assault claims in late February and early March 2021, which sparked a large-scale communal debate about sexual violence and consent that had never been witnessed before.

What is a Sexual Offence?

A sexual offence is a serious criminal crime in New South Wales, and there are many different types of sexual offences. These crimes vary from minor infractions to sexual assaults, punishable by up to 20 years in jail.

The Crimes Act of 1900 governs the majority of sexual offences, which are based on the victim’s lack of permission. The most common sexual offences, according to Sydney criminal lawyers in New South Wales, include:

• Sexual touching,
• Indecent exposure,
• Sexual act,
• Act of indecency,
• Sexual assault,
• Bestiality,
• Procuring for prostitution,
• Filming a person’s private parts,
• Children employed for pornographic purposes,
• Obtaining benefit from child prostitution,
• Possession of child abuse material,
• Intimidation and stalking.

Even the best criminal lawyers Sydney, agree that consent is a complicated topic of the law. As expert criminal lawyers Parramatta, we know the stakes for sexual offences are high, and you will almost certainly be sentenced to prison if you are found guilty.

Follow these links to find out, how to choose a lawyer, if you need a lawyer, and what to expect from legal representation.

That is why anyone involved with a sexual offence case should enlist the help of the best criminal lawyers Sydney. At The Defenders, our Sydney criminal lawyers are familiar with the stigma that comes with such accusations, as well as the damage they may have on your career and family life.

It is critical to communicate with our criminal defence lawyers Sydney as soon as possible so that we can begin working on your case. We are frequently able to reach an agreement with the police and the DPP to have the charges dropped.

How Do Criminal Defence Lawyers Sydney Help Sexual Offence Cases?

No matter if you are being charged with a sexual offence, are charging sexual offences or are involved in a sexual offence case in any other manner – getting the appropriate Sydney criminal lawyers for your case will alleviate a lot of the stress that comes with these complex processes.

We at The Defenders understand how humiliating and distressing going to court may be. This area of criminal defence law is highly complicated, and if not handled properly from the start, it can have significant consequences on your livelihood.

The Defenders Criminal Lawyers Parramatta Defence Team have extensive experience and skill in working with sexual offences, ranging from “sexual contact” to “aggravated sexual assault,” as well as charges involving children and minors.

As the best criminal lawyers Sydney, you can rest assured as we handle the legal side of things so you can get back to living your life.

In practice, our criminal defence lawyers Sydney have a lengthy and successful track record of having sexual offences dropped early and have won many sexual assault cases. Our skilled Sydney criminal lawyers’ team will stand by your side every step of the way.

When searching for the best criminal lawyers in Sydney to defend your sexual offence case, it’s imperative you find a team of reputable criminal defence lawyers Sydney who have high success rates in helping their clients achieve a positive outcome.

Benjamin Leonardo are outstanding Criminal Defence Lawyers. They understand the strain criminal offence cases have on their clients and families alike and provide sympathetic, non-judgemental expert advice and support to their clients. With offices in Sydney and Parramatta, conveniently located near both the local and district courts, they will make the process of your legal criminal defence transparent and manageable.

Having defended more than 3,800 criminal defence cases and with a success rate of over 90%, Benjamin Leonardo Criminal Defence Lawyers in Sydney & Parramatta, provide their clients with informed legal advice and flexible payment terms. If you have been charged with a Sydney criminal offence, please contact Benjamin Leonardo on (02) 9283 3033 for your first Consultation.