Asia-Pacific

Australia warns on New Year's Eve sexual assault

(Xinhua)
Updated: 2010-12-31 09:21

SYDNEY - New Year's Eve revelers in Sydney were given a warning on Friday by the New South Wales (NSW) government that sexual assault was not tolerated.

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The NSW government has introduced a legal definition of consent to make it clear that unless a person freely and voluntarily agrees to sex, it is sexual assault, Attorney-General John Hatzistergos said in a statement.

"There are no excuses for offenders claiming they believed the other person consented because she or he was too drunk to say no," Hatzistergos said.

New Year's Eve traditionally sees an increase in sexual assaults, he said.

"Those who seek to take advantage of people during tonight's festivities face being thrown in jail for up to 20 years for aggravated sexual assault and face life in prison for gang rape," he said on Friday.

Hatzistergos urged revelers to know their limits, take care of their friends and not accept drinks from strangers.

More than 2,600 police will be on Sydney's streets on the dangerous night for sexual assault, particularly in the known party spots.