Sexual abuse and assault: getting help

If you are in immediate danger:

• phone Triple Zero (000)

• go to the emergency department at your local hospital.

If you’ve experienced sexual violence

If you’ve just experienced sexual violence, get yourself to a safe place as soon as possible and phone:

• the Sexual Assault Helpline on 1800 010 120
• Kids Help Line on 1800 551 800.

These services are free, confidential and available 24 hours a day. They can help you by providing referral to free:

• counselling and support
• medical care, including
  • emergency contraception
  • medical examinations
  • testing for sexually transmitted infections (STIs).

Legal and medical concerns

If you’re thinking of reporting the attack to the police, it’s best not to change your clothes, comb your hair or wash yourself. This may remove evidence.

If you decide to have a medical examination, the medical officer:

• can gather evidence in case you go ahead with the police and legal action
• will talk with you and check how you’re feeling
• will discuss the possibility of pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections.

If you think you may be at risk of pregnancy, you could talk to a doctor about emergency contraception.

Your reaction to the assault

Remember, no one asks or deserves to be a victim of sexual violence. If you were attacked or abused, you are not to blame.

The after-effects of a trauma can be painful and confusing. You may find it helpful to:

• talk to supportive people like friends, family or counsellors
• read or watch videos about sexual violence and its effects
• write down your feelings.

Where else can you find help?

Services are available to help you deal with the short-term and long-term effects of sexual violence.

Counselling and support

For free counselling or support, contact a sexual assault service.

Women can also access counselling, support and referral from the Brisbane Rape and Incest Survivors Support Centre (BRISSC).

Men who have experienced childhood sexual abuse or sexual assault can get support, including web counselling and online forums, through Living Well.

Women’s Infolink

Women’s Infolink on 1800 177 577 (Monday–Friday, 8am–6pm) offers information and referral services that can help you to handle health, safety and financial concerns. They cover information and services including:

• contact details for women’s services across Queensland
• the 24-hour Statewide Sexual Assault Helpline—phone 1800 010 120
• free, confidential domestic and family violence advice and support through the 24-hour DVConnect service—phone 1800 811 811
• Zig Zag Young Women’s Resource Centre on (07) 3843 1823
• Immigrant Women’s Emergency Support Service on (07) 3846 5400.

Women's Infolink also provide information about Queensland Government programs, events and publications organised through the Office for Women.

Health services

For help and information on health matters you can contact:

• Women’s Health Queensland Wide Inc. on 1800 017 676, (07) 3839 9988 or TTY (07) 3831 5508
• 13 HEALTH (24-hour service) on 13 Health or 13 43 25 84.

Child abuse services

If you need to speak to someone about child abuse you can phone, 24-hour a day:

• the Department of Communities, Child Safety and Disability Services After Hours Service (previously known as Crisis Care) on 1800 177 135 or (07) 3235 9999
• Kids Help Line on 1800 55 1800.

Sexual harassment services

Contact the Anti-Discrimination Commission of Queensland on 1300 130 670 or TTY 1300 130 680 for advice and help.