Sentencing loophole failing sexual assault victims

August 2, 2026 — 9:50am

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The justice system often exacts a heavy toll on victim-survivors of sexual offences. Historically low conviction rates for rape and the likelihood of a long and re-traumatising court process deter some complainants from ever coming forward.

Even if they decide to report their attacker and prosecutors secure a conviction in court, there is no guarantee that victims will regard the sentence handed down by the court as reflective of the gravity of the crime.

Sentencing statistics obtained exclusively by this masthead’s court reporter Clare Sibthorpe from the Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research paint a worrying picture in this respect.

They show community correction orders (CCOs) – effectively good behaviour bonds........

© The Sydney Morning Herald