Sexual violence support.
What happened to you was not your fault. Not in any version of events. Not under any circumstances.
Sexual violence is one of the most isolating experiences a woman can carry, and one of the hardest to speak about. If you've found your way here, that took courage. You are believed. You are not alone. And whatever you decide to do next, you get to lead.
This page exists because every woman deserves access to clear, honest information, because knowing your options is the first step toward reclaiming what belongs to you.
Things that are never true
For the voice that's trying to talk you out of what you know.
These are the myths that keep women silent. None of them are true. Not one.
If you didn't fight back, it wasn't assault.
The truthFreezing is one of the most common trauma responses. Your body did what it needed to do to survive. Lack of physical resistance has never meant consent, not legally, not morally, not in any way that matters.
It only counts if it was a stranger.
The truthMost sexual violence is committed by someone the survivor knows: a partner, an ex, a friend, a family member. Familiarity does not make it less real. A relationship does not make it less serious. What happened still counts.
If you waited to tell someone, they won't believe you.
The truthThere is no correct timeline for disclosure. Women come forward days, months, and years later. They are believed. Help for Her believes you. So do the services on this page.
It has to look a certain way to be taken seriously.
The truthSexual violence includes a wide spectrum of experiences. Coercion, manipulation, assault within a relationship, assault while intoxicated. All of it is real, all of it matters, and all of it deserves support.
Your next step
You choose what happens next.
There is no right way to respond to what happened. There is only your way, at your pace, with the support you choose.
If you want to report
You can report to police at any time. There is no time limit for sexual assault in Australia. A crisis counsellor from your local service can sit with you through every step of that process, from the first conversation to the end.
If you don't want to report
You are under no obligation to report. Ever. You can access medical care, counselling, and ongoing support without making a formal report. Your healing does not depend on the justice system.
If you're not sure yet
That is completely okay. You can access support, get information, and preserve your options without committing to anything. A counsellor can help you understand what's available without any pressure to decide.
If you choose to report
What reporting looks like, step by step.
No surprises. No pressure. Just a clear picture of each step so you can decide what feels right.
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1
Your safety first
If you are in immediate danger, call 000. If you are safe, take your time. There is no rush. Nothing has to happen before you are ready.
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2
Contact your local sexual assault service or 1800RESPECT
A counsellor will listen, explain your options, and can accompany you to hospital or police if you choose. No obligation. No pressure. Just someone in your corner. Find your local service in the state accordion below.
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3
Medical care
A doctor or nurse can treat injuries, offer emergency contraception, and preserve evidence in case you want to report later. You do not have to decide anything right now.
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4
Making a statement
If you choose to report, police will take a statement in your own time. You have the right to a support person with you and the right to stop at any time.
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5
Ongoing support
Sexual assault services provide free counselling throughout any investigation or court process, for as long as you need it. This support doesn't end when the legal process does.
Always available, wherever you are.
1800RESPECT
Australia's national sexual assault and domestic violence counselling service. Available 24 hours a day, seven days a week — by phone or online chat. You don't need to be in crisis to reach out. They can also help you find your local service.
Open their websiteFull Stop Australia
Previously NSW Rape Crisis, Full Stop Australia now provides free 24/7 trauma counselling nationally — including a dedicated line for LGBTQIA+ people who have experienced sexual, domestic or family violence. Trauma-informed, confidential and non-judgmental.
Open their website13YARN
A 24/7 crisis support line operated by and for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. Culturally safe, confidential support from trained Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander crisis supporters.
Open their websiteSexual assault support in your state
Find your local service wherever you are in Australia.
All services below are free and confidential. If you're not sure which service to call, 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732 can connect you with the right local support 24 hours a day.
Recovery is not a straight line.
It doesn't look the same for any two women, and there is no version of it you are doing wrong. Help for Her is here — not to tell you what to do, but to make sure you have everything you need to decide for yourself. Whatever comes next, you don't have to face it alone.
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