SEXUAL assault services have called for more support for victims of abuse, as many people find reporting abuse "re-traumatising".
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It comes after a young Western Victorian says she feels helpless and fears returning to Victoria years after she was raped by two friends who propositioned her for a threesome.
The victim rejected the sexual advances of Shaun Bloomfield and Luke Merryfull when the trio were alone in a caravan at Balmoral in 2016.
Both men, now aged 24, denied the crime at a trial earlier this year, arguing it was consensual sex.
But a Victorian County Court jury has since found Bloomfield guilty of two counts of rape and one count of sexual assault, and Merryfull guilty of rape. The court has ordered both men serve time in jail.
Figures from counselling service 1800RESPECT show more than 50 per cent of people who disclose an incident of sexual assault refer to an incident that occurred more than 12 months ago.
1800RESPECT general manager Nicole McMahon said for many people who have experience sexual assault, it could take time for them to seek support.
"It can often be a long while for them to want to reach out for support and that's okay," she said.
"At 1800RESPECT the majority of people who reach out for support for sexual assault are talking to us about an incident that happened more than a year ago."
Ms McMahon said reporting an experience of violence to someone in authority could be re-traumatising.
"Many people don't report sexual assault because they fear reprisal, not being believed, being blamed, or even seeing the person who assaulted them again in court.
"It's vitally important that when someone discloses sexual assault they are listened to and believed without being judged."
Figures from Our Watch show that one in five Australian women has experienced sexual violence.
Ms McMahon said sexual violence could include anything sexual that makes someone feel scared or uncomfortable.
"No one has the right to make you do sexual things that you don't want to do," she said.
If you or someone you know is impacted by sexual assault, domestic or family violence, call 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732 or visit 1800RESPECT.org.au In an emergency, call 000.
