This interim report deals with the issues of consent and belief in consent in the offenses of rape and indecent assault, ways to improve the investigation and prosecution procedures for sexual assault victims, and police and prosecutorial discretion in sexual assault cases. The research undertaken by the Commission consisted of a review of rape and indecent assault laws in Australia and overseas; a quantitative study of the outcomes of all rape prosecutions undertaken in Victoria in 1988 and 1989; a detailed analysis of 129 rape cases processed by the Director of Public Prosecutions in 1989; consultations with a range of agencies involved in the investigation, prosecution, and defense of sexual assault cases; and extensive discussions with rape victims and service providers. Furthermore, the Commission sponsored a study by the Victorian Community Council Against Violence and established two working groups to formulate proposals dealing with procedural reforms. 7 appendixes