Sexual Assault
Sexual assault is any behaviour of a sexual nature that makes someone feel uncomfortable, frightened, intimidated or threatened. It is sexual behaviour that someone has not agreed to, where another person uses physical or emotional force against them. It can include anything from sexual harassment through to life threatening rape. Some of these acts are serious indictable crimes.
Sexual assault is an abuse of power. Sexual assault is never the fault or responsibility of the victim survivor.
Often, people who have experienced sexual assault report experiencing anxiety, being on the lookout for danger, having flashbacks, intrusive thoughts and nightmares, low mood, difficulties maintaining relationships, employment or leisure activities. You may have experienced some of these things or you may have experienced different impacts of the trauma.
All responses to a traumatic event such as a sexual assault are considered “normal” and The Sexual Assault & Family Violence Centre counsellor advocates can guide you to understand your experience and your responses to the sexual assault.
For all emergencies, including if anyone is in immediate danger, please call 000
All calls outside of business hours will be automatically diverted to the 24 hour Sexual Assault Crisis Line (1800 806 292). Alternatively you can contact the following:
- 1800RESPECT: National Sexual Assault, Domestic Family Violence Counselling Service: 1800 737 732
- Safe Steps: Family Violence Response Centre: 1800 015 188