Community actions to prevent sexual violence

Sexual violence can happen to anyone and preventing it requires action from all of us. Every Queenslander has a role to play in building safer homes, workplaces, schools and communities.

A safer Queensland starts with the everyday choices we make. Small, consistent actions can make a big difference. When we all take responsibility for creating safe, respectful environments, we can help prevent sexual violence.

What you can do

Model respect in everyday interactions

Show what respect looks like. Talk openly with friends, family and young people about sexual consent, boundaries and healthy relationships. These conversations are important to explain what acceptable behaviour is and helps prevent harm before it occurs.

Challenge harmful attitudes and behaviours

If you hear comments, jokes or assumptions that excuse sexual violence or minimise harm, call them out calmly. These attitudes can contribute to a culture where violence is normalised, considered acceptable or where sexual violence is more likely.

Promote consent and body autonomy

Sexual consent needs to be freely and voluntarily agreed to and clearly communicated through words or conduct. This could be a verbal agreement or other clear actions that indicate agreement. Use clear communication, check for consent, and respect when people set boundaries or change their mind. When others see respectful behaviour, it helps set expectations about what respectful and acceptable behaviour looks like.

If it is unclear whether someone is consenting, stop and check. Consent should not be assumed and can be withdrawn at any time.

Teaching children and young people about consent, respect and body autonomy can help them build healthy relationships and confidently communicate their feelings, wishes and boundaries.

Simple lessons like ‘Ask before you borrow’ can help young people learn the importance of checking whether someone agrees. This helps build respect for personal boundaries and choices.

It’s important to make sure children are not forced to show physical affection as this can undermine their bodily autonomy. Make sure they—and their family members—know it’s okay if they don’t want to hug or kiss them.

Learn more about sexual consent and teaching children and young people about consent.

Share accurate information

Correct myths about sexual violence when you hear them. Sharing evidence‑based information helps reduce stigma and makes it easier for people to seek help.

If you notice the media is inappropriately or inaccurately reporting sexual violence, you can write a letter to the editor of the publication or send a message to the content creator to voice your concern.

Find information about how the media should be responsibly reporting on sexual violence related stories.

Stay connected to your community

Social isolation can increase vulnerability, including to sexual violence, by limiting a person’s access to support or reducing the chances of abuse or violence being noticed by someone else. Connect with—and encourage participation in—community groups, sports, workplaces and neighbourhood activities. Building stronger communities helps to create safer communities.

How to support someone who may be experiencing—or impacted by—sexual violence

Check in if something doesn’t feel right

If you notice changes in someone’s behaviour or wellbeing, gently ask how they’re going. A simple ‘You seem a bit off—want to talk?’ can create space for them to share.

Listen and believe them

If someone discloses sexual violence, listen without judgement and believe them. Avoid pressing for details. Focus on listening, validating their feelings and asking how you can support them.

Respect their choices

People who have experienced sexual violence often feel a loss of control. You can help restore some of their sense of control by giving them space to choose what they want to do next and supporting them to make their own decisions—whether that’s seeking support, reporting to the police, or taking time to process what has occurred.

Know where to direct them for support

It is important to remember you don’t need to be an expert to support someone. You can direct people to www.qld.gov.au/sexualviolence for clear information about support options, safety planning and next steps.

Prioritise safety—yours and theirs

If you’re worried someone is in immediate danger, call the police on Triple Zero (000).

If you’re unsure what to do, confidential support services can help you work out the safest next step. Learn more about pathways to information and support.

Be mindful of personal safety—never put yourself in danger or do anything that feels unsafe. Look after your wellbeing and get support for yourself if needed.

Actions for workplaces

Create safe, respectful environments

Promote policies and practices that support respectful behaviour, equality, safety and healthy workplace relationships. Make sure staff understand consent, recognise the signs of sexual harassment and sexual violence, and know that these behaviours are never acceptable.

Know your organisation’s supports

Ensure employees know about workplace supports, reporting pathways and confidential support options.

Respond early to concerning behaviour and attitudes

If you observe behaviour that is inappropriate or makes someone feel uncomfortable, check in early and reinforce expectations for respectful behaviour.

Focus on the behaviour rather than the person, using non-judgemental language. Clearly describe what you observed, explain why it is inappropriate, and reinforce expected standards of behaviour. It is important the other person knows this type of behaviour is a choice they make. Where appropriate, explain the impact the behaviour may have on others.

Actions for community and sporting groups

Promote inclusion and safety

Make sure everyone feels welcome and safe participating—especially women and girls, young people and LGBTQIA+ community members.

Clubs can dedicate matches or events to raise awareness about sexual violence prevention and the importance of safe and respectful communities. People can wear a special-coloured jersey, socks, caps or ribbon to generate discussion, and you can share resources about sexual violence with people attending the event.

Set clear expectations

Have clear codes of conduct that expectations for respectful behaviour, consent, boundaries and member safety. Promote your organisations having a clear commitment to preventing sexual violence and abuse, monitor to ensure this is consistently upheld, and respond promptly to breaches of your code of conduct.

Support people to speak up

Let members, volunteers and spectators know they can raise concerns and seek support without fear of being dismissed or judged. Respond promptly, respectfully and in line with your organisation’s policies and procedures.

Reporting sexual violence in your community

If you hear or witness sexual violence in your neighbourhood, phone the police on Triple Zero (000). Even if you hear the violence stop, you should still contact the police so they can investigate, make sure people are safe, and possibly prevent it occurring again. It is important to never put yourself in danger or do anything that doesn’t feel safe or appropriate for you.

Find out more information about sexual violence prevention and creating safer communities on the OurWatch website.