Police are again encouraging victims of sexual assault to come forward, no matter how long ago the incidents occurred, following the arrest of a man for alleged offences which occurred between five and seven years ago.
Late last year, police were contacted by a teenager who wanted to report a number of alleged assaults against her when she was younger.
The girl told police that between January 2006 and December 2008, when she was aged between eight and 10, she was sexually and indecently assaulted on a number of occasions by a man who was a family friend.
Detectives from the Child Abuse Squad at Penrith have conducted extensive inquiries and arrested a 49-year-old man when he attended Parramatta Police Station about 9.30am yesterday.
The man, from Sydney’s west, was charged with two counts of aggravated sexual assault (child under 10), five counts of aggravated indecent assault, and three counts of incite child under 10 to commit an indecent act.
He appeared at Parramatta Local Court yesterday and remains in custody to reappear on October 11.
Police have praised the teenager for having the courage to come forward and are urging any other person who has ever been a victim of sexual assault to make a report to police, no matter how long ago the incident occurred.
All reports are investigated thoroughly and victims can also access counselling and support.
The Child Abuse Squad is comprised of detectives who are specially trained to investigate crimes against children, including sexual assault, physical and emotional abuse and serious cases of neglect. The squad works in partnership with the Department of Family and Community Services and NSW Health, with specialised tri-agency teams based at metropolitan and regional locations throughout NSW.
Anyone with information should call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
