THE Tweed Valley Sexual Assault Service has put its support behind a new system designed to help victims of sexual assault provide information without the formality of a police investigation.

The Sexual Assault Reporting Option (SARO), released by NSW Police Force last week, is a questionnaire that can be completed online and emailed to the Sex Crimes Squad, eliminating the need for a police interview.

Service coordinator Angela McColl said staff would be encouraging and supporting all victims of sexual assault to use the option.

She said although Tweed Byron Local Area Command detectives were supportive and great to work with, she understood many victims were intimidated by the legal and justice systems.

"A victim of sexual assault has lost their power," Ms McColl said.

"This allows them to regain some of that power.

"It's our job to let them know they can do that now, they have another option."

NSW police adapted SARO from a scheme developed by Bravehearts, an organisation that campaigns against child sexual abuse.

Detective Superintendent John Kerlatec, commander of the State Crime Command's Sex Crimes Squad said all information would be treated confidentially and kept in a secure and restricted database.

He said the information would be compiled and analysed to determine links between cases, hopefully leading to arrests and prosecution of those responsible.

"We strongly urge victims of sexual assault to make an official police report, but if they do not wish to have the matter formally investigated, SARO is a good alternative," Det Supt Kerlatec said.

"Many support groups have told us that being able to pass on the information about their assault is an important part of the journey to recovery for victims.

"We hope that through SARO, we can help victims overcome the barriers to disclosure, and possibly prevent future occurrences."

The SARO questionnaire can be located on the NSW Police Force website: http://www.police.nsw.gov.au/community_issues/adult_sexual_assault