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WIMMERA police believe changing attitudes in the community have meant more people have the confidence to report sexual abuse.
Detective Sergeant Brent Barclay and Detective Senior Sergeant Peter Robertson are some of the region's officers that work in the Wimmera's Sexual Offences and Child Abuse Investigation Team.
The team is made up of specialist detectives, who are trained to investigate sexual offences and child abuse crimes.
Detective Sergeant Barclay said the Wimmera team worked closely with the Department of Health and Human Services' child protection team and the Sexual Assault and Family Violence Centre in the region.
"We operate a specialised investigative avenue for victims of sexual crime," he said.
Detective Sergeant Barclay said if someone wanted to report a sexual assault, the first thing they would do was speak to a uniform member.
"This will either be at the police station or if the police attend their address," he said.
"Through that, they will then be linked in with us and we'll sit down and tailor our response around the victim's needs."
Detective Sergeant Barclay said the team dealt with both current and historical incidents.
He said people coming forward with historical incidents was quite common in the region.
Detective Senior Sergeant Robertson said it could be difficult for people to come forward, but the police wanted to support people as best they could.
"We would like to see as many people, who are able to, come forward and report their issues to us," he said.
"I imagine it would be difficult for people (to come forward) in a small town where people are well known.
"These things by their nature are very private and talking about them is not something that comes naturally.
"People also understand that there are supports in place and that Victoria Police take the issue of sexual assault very seriously," he said.
"We have a team of dedicated specialists investigators to support them through their report."
Detective Senior Sergeant Robertson said there were changing and more people were getting the confidence to come forward.
Detective Sergeant Barclay said police in the region were well supported to deal with sexual offences and child abuse crimes.
"We see it as a desirable workplace because we can help people," he said.
"Through the family violence royal commission, we received funding for psychological support and there is certainly a lot of support through Victoria Police as well."
Detective Senior Sergeant Robertson said it was important responders and investigators were aware of their own stresses and mental wellbeing.
"They have to look after their colleagues and I think that comes with the job really - it is inherit that investigators in this field look after each other and support each other's welfare," he said.
