‘Settle down’, ‘do your own swabs’: how alleged rape victims are treated in Queensland revealed in major report
Summary
A study by the Australian Institute of Criminology found that Queensland sexual assault investigations often faced delays and inadequate resources. Detectives and support workers described poor interview conditions, difficulty accessing forensic tests, and pressure to prioritize other crimes; the study also found lower case attrition when trained sexual-offence specialists handled investigations.Key Facts
- The report examined why about two-thirds of sexual assault complaints to Queensland police were withdrawn, not substantiated or left unsolved.
- Detectives said heavy workloads and pressure to prioritize issues such as youth crime, property crime, and domestic and family violence pushed sexual assault cases aside.
- Some officers said victim-survivors were interviewed in shared office spaces or former staff change rooms.
- Researchers found that specialist training for sexual-offence investigators was linked to lower case attrition rates.
- Detectives reported delays in accessing hospital forensic examinations, including long drives and unavailable staff.
- One detective said a victim-survivor waited 14 hours in an emergency ward and was then told to take their own swabs.
- Police described historical sexual offence cases remaining inactive for long periods because of competing work.
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