Key messages resource

“Chuck her on a lie detector”: Investigating Australians’ mistrust in women’s reports of sexual assault

This key messages resource is designed to translate and synthesise the report “Chuck her on a lie detector”: Investigating Australians’ mistrust in women’s reports of sexual assault into key messages aimed at supporting stakeholders in their understanding and communication of the study.

As many as four in 10 Australians mistrust women’s reports of sexual violence according to the 2017 National Community Attitudes towards Violence against Women Survey. The present qualitative research study explores the factors underlying this community mistrust in women’s reports of sexual assault.

The study found that women must meet unrealistic expectations for their reports of sexual assault to be believed, while the accused man’s actions to gain or confirm consent are rarely scrutinised. Each key message unpacks the participant responses to questions about sexual assault and is supported with facts and figures which challenge the myths and stereotypes underlying the climate of mistrust.

The resource is useful for policymakers, practice design decision-makers and practitioners whose work is related to responding to or preventing sexual violence, including peak bodies, services, media or advocates.

Suggested citation

Australia’s National Research Organisation for Women’s Safety. (2021). “Chuck her on a lie detector”: Investigating Australian’s mistrust in women’s reports of sexual assault – Key messages. ANROWS.