RAPES, sexual assaults and other sex offences are being recorded in Albury about once every three days.
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And according to those who work with victims, the actual rate of offences is likely much higher as many chose not to report incidents to police.
Crime statistics released on Wednesday show there were 43 sexual assaults recorded in the Albury government area in the 12 months to September.
A further 71 indecent assaults, acts of indecency and other sexual offences were recorded over the same period.
There were also 283 domestic violence related assaults recorded.
But Albury Wodonga Women’s Centre for Health and Wellbeing counsellor Jane Newland said the figures did not paint a true picture of what was occurring.
“It’s hard to interpret the statistics, but they correlate with what we’re seeing in the counsellors’ rooms at the moment,” he said.
“It can be very daunting to actually present to police and talk about these things, which are very personal and intimate.
“I think sexual assault is one of the areas that is very under-reported.”
Ms Newland said women being raped during marriage or a de facto relationship was of particular concern.
The centre has also seen an increase in teenage boys and girls assaulting their mothers.
“We’re talking boys and girls aged 15 to 18 who are still living at home and are intimidating their mum with physical abuse,” she said.
“Emotional and verbal abuse is also on the rise.”
The statistics show Albury recorded about 40 per cent more domestic violence offences by population than the state average.
Sexual assaults were about 30 per cent higher than the state average and indecent assaults, acts of indecency and other acts of indecency about 60 per cent higher.
Senior Constable Alicia Langman encouraged victims to report matters to police.
“There are plenty of services that are available that we can refer people to,” she said.
“We have a new method of taking reports in relation to domestic violence.
“People are able to make statements with the use of video rather than typing out statements.
“A large amount of domestic violence goes unreported in the community and we encourage people to be better informed and hopefully feel more comfortable to report things to us.”