Melbourne, Nov 16: Looks like Indians are not the only ones targeted down under as a news report has revealed that sexual assault cases against teenaged girls in Australia's Victoria state is growing at an alarming rate.

According to a news.com.au report published on Monday, Nov 16, victoria Police has recorded 1,308 rape cases during 2008 and 2009, out of which 1,197 of the victims were female. And one third of all rape victims were below 18.

The police and detectives who are probing into these assaults are worried that these kind of assaults will increase during the upcoming Christmas season.

Detective Inspector Glenn Davies from the Sexual Crimes Squad reveled that 28 out of 47 serious sexual assault crimes investigated between Jun-Sep 2009 were under 17 and those aged between 14 to 16 were targetted the most.

"Rape is an incredibly serious criminal offence. I cannot overstate this," Davies said, adding that sex with those below the age of 16 can led to jail term of up to 25 years even if it is consensual.

Teenage girls are not only incapable of giving consent but are also intimidated by large groups of men. The sex offenses cause immense trauma to victims, often having life-long and life-changing consequences, the detective said.

In a bid to stop the crimes, Davis also urged the young men to take a strong, moral stance and speak out to their friends who are indulging in such crimes and effectively put a stop to their actions.

OneIndia News