The peak body for aid organisations expects that a major review into sexual misconduct will uncover cases among Australian groups and hopes that it will prompt victims and witnesses to come forward.

The Australian Council for International Development has commissioned a review in the wake of a string of sexual assault and harassment claims levelled at British aid workers.

The review, to be carried out by experts from the Victorian Institute of Forensic Medicine, will gather data on how aid organisations deal with sexual misconduct and try to chart the incidence of abuse or harassment. But it is also expected to bring to light actual claims.

“Simply by having the independent review, it will given people permission and courage in terms of raising concerns that may not have been dealt with formally in the past for a whole variety of reasons,” said Marc Purcell, the council’s chief executive.

“We expect that informally complaints or concerns or needs counselling will arise.”