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AAP
AAP
National
Rachael Ward

New way of reporting sex assault leads to man charged

An alternative option for survivors to report sexual assault have led police to a man now charged. (Tracey Nearmy/AAP PHOTOS)

A man has been charged with four counts of rape after victims came forward using an alternative method of reporting sexual assault.

In Queensland, victims can notify police of alleged assaults online without submitting a formal complaint and remain anonymous if they wish.

The reports sparked a police investigation leading officers to execute a search warrant on Friday at an address in Logan in Brisbane's south.

Several devices were seized during the search.

The 34-year-old Logan man was charged with four counts of rape and one of sexual assault over alleged incidents on the Gold Coast in 2019 and in Brisbane in 2023.

He was set to appear before the Brisbane Magistrates Court on Saturday.

Queensland Police say alternative reporting options are important because many survivors have reasons not to officially report the crimes of sexual assault or rape.

Survivors are given the opportunity to tell police the full circumstances with making an official statement, and with the option to remain anonymous.

"(Alternative reporting options) can be an extremely useful healing strategy for the survivor and an effective investigative strategy for law enforcement agencies," Queensland Police said on its website.

This information can help police with other prosecutions of the same offender, and to devise intelligence-based strategies to reduce repeat offending.

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