A new report from the UWA Public Policy Institute reveals that sexual violence imposes an economic burden of nearly $2 billion annually on Australia. This groundbreaking study, led by researchers in Western Australia, is the first of its kind to quantify the financial impacts of sexual abuse affecting both children and adults. The report highlights that the economic strain is worsened by a support sector that is “chronically underfunded yet oversubscribed.”
The findings indicate an annual funding shortfall of at least $80 million needed to meet the demands for support services. Nicole Lambert, the chief executive of Allambee and chair of the National Association of Services Against Sexual Violence, commissioned the report to clarify the economic implications for government officials. Lambert expressed her frustration regarding the ongoing lack of funding and emphasized the necessity of treating sexual violence as a long-term economic issue.
“Access to services remains severely constrained with over half of clients in Western Australia waiting from four weeks to several months, delaying or preventing timely support required for recovery,” Lambert stated. In her foreword, she pointed out that funding has not kept pace with demand, stressing the importance of bringing the issue “out of the shadows and into public consciousness.”
Recent data from the 2024 Australian Bureau of Statistics shows that the situation is deteriorating, with a reported 10 percent increase in cases filed with police. The previous year saw an estimated 150,000 instances of sexual abuse against children and 114,000 cases involving adults. According to the National Centre for Action on Child Sexual Abuse, by the age of 16 and beyond, 28 percent of Australians have experienced child sexual abuse.
The report estimates that around 68,500 individuals in Australia require sexual assault support services each year, yet approximately 23,000 are left without the necessary assistance. The financial burden primarily impacts individuals and society, leading to disruptions in employment, health, and earnings. For businesses, this results in increased absenteeism and reduced productivity. The report also indicates that costs are shared between the Commonwealth and State Governments through lost tax revenue and increased spending on welfare, justice, and health services.
The lifetime economic costs of child sexual abuse in Australia are estimated at $114 billion, while for adults, the figure stands at $78 billion. Jessica Murray, who leads the Centre for Women”s Safety and Wellbeing”s sexual violence response, believes these figures may only reflect the beginning of the problem due to prevalent under-reporting of sexual abuse.
In light of recent horrific incidents in Australia”s childcare system and reports of widespread sexual violence by driving instructors against young students, Murray noted that despite numerous dedicated reports and inquiries, there has been insufficient governmental commitment to adequately address the issue. “More than 25 percent of children experiencing childhood sexual abuse should stop us all in our tracks. This must be treated like a pandemic,” she asserted.
She further lamented the lack of decisive action from any government level despite awareness of the economic implications. “It”s distressing from both a human and economic perspective. We”ve been discussing the human toll of sexual violence for a long time, and it is disheartening that the report is even necessary to prompt action. We have seen the costs of inaction across all levels of government,” she explained.
In Western Australia, the annual funding for specialized sexual violence services is roughly $15.8 million. However, the sector estimates that it requires approximately $27 million each year to fully meet community needs, resulting in a 42 percent funding gap and about 4,500 victim-survivors lacking timely support. In Victoria, the annual cost related to sexual violence is estimated at $34 million, while in New South Wales, it is about $83 million.
Advocate Amanda Morrison from Western Australia urged the government to translate words into action by significantly increasing funding for the sector. “Our voices — the voices of lived experience — have not been heard. Lives are lost because they are ignored. I challenge the government to act on this report. Just reading it is insufficient. Action is essential,” Morrison said.
Ben Perks, the lead author of the report from the UWA Public Policy Institute, warned that maintaining the status quo could lead to significant cost escalation. He emphasized that delayed interventions exacerbate trauma and increase public costs, highlighting the critical need for early intervention and recovery services. “Each missed opportunity for timely recovery compounds harm across lifetimes and service systems. Investing in prevention and coordinated intervention yields benefits in well-being and reduces financial pressure,” Perks noted.
For those in need of support, resources include 1800 RESPECT at 1800 737 732, Sexual Assault Counselling Australia at 1800 211 028, and the WA Sexual Assault Resource Centre at 6458 1828 or 1800 199 888, along with Lifeline at 13 11 14.
