Ending Sexual Violence Hub
Counselling, advocacy and support
A survivor of sexual violence can access counselling, advocacy and support through the specialist sexual assault sector.
A counsellor advocate provides specialist sexual assault counselling to support a healing and trauma-formed journey of recovery. A counsellor advocate utilises the following frameworks for service delivery:
- A feminist understanding of sexual violence.
- Intersectionality.
- Trauma-informed.
- Person-centred.
Specialist Sexual Assault Sector Response
Victim survivor calls a specialist sexual assault service or the Sexual Assault Crisis Line (SACL)
A victim survivor of a sexual assault may make their first contact with a specialist sexual assault service by phone. Sometimes third parties make the initial call on their behalf, such as family and friends, police members or health professionals. If a third party calls, the specialist sexual assault counsellor advocate (CA) will provide information and support to the caller and will also request to speak directly to the victim survivor.
To find a local specialist sexual assault service in Victoria, visit SASVic's service map.
To contact the after-hours Sexual Assault Crisis Line (between 5pm – 9am each weekday and on weekends and public holidays), call 1800 806 292.
Potential to identify family violence risk
There is the potential to identify family violence risk at this step. If there is active family violence risk, the counsellor advocate will liaise with a family violence organisation such as Safesteps, The Orange Door and/or a local family violence service to make a referral.
During office hours (9am – 5pm)
Victim survivor speaks with Victorian Sexual Assault Crisis Line (SACL)
Victim survivor speaks with Victorian Sexual Assault Crisis Line (SACL)
Calling a specialist sexual assault service after office hours (5pm – 9am) will redirect to SACL.
SACL provides after-hours counselling and crisis coordination. A victim survivor may need a crisis response if they have experienced a recent sexual assault (please see map for detailed crisis response). They can also request crisis counselling or to be referred to specialist sexual assault service for ongoing therapeutic counselling and advocacy.
To find a local specialist sexual assault service in Victoria visit SASVic's service map.
To call SACL, the number is 1800 806 292.
Potential to identify family violence risk
There is the potential to identify family violence risk at this step. If there is active family violence risk, the counsellor advocate will liaise with a family violence organisation such as Safesteps, The Orange Door and/or a local family violence service to make a referral.
Victim survivor speaks with specialist sexual assault service intake team
A victim survivors can reach their local specialist sexual assault service by phone or email during office hours (9am – 5pm).
A member of the services’ intake team will do a brief screening with the client and set up an intake appointment session.
To find a local specialist sexual assault service in Victoria visit SASVic’s service map.
To call SACL, the number is 1800 806 292.
Potential to identify family violence risk
There is the potential to identify family violence risk at this step. If there is active family violence risk, the counsellor advocate will liaise with a family violence organisation such as Safesteps, The Orange Door and/or a local family violence service to make a referral.
Victim survivor supported through an intake assessment appointment
A counsellor advocate from a specialist sexual assault service will conduct an initial assessment that helps to determine the communication and accessibility needs of the victim survivor and adjust to accommodation e.g., arranging an interpreter, communication aids or Independent Third Party.
They will also conduct a risk assessment and establish current physical and emotional safety.
Based on the intake appointment, the client is then placed on waitlist for therapeutic counselling and advocacy.
Potential to identify family violence risk
While the counsellor advocate conducts their initial assessment, they are screening for current family violence risk. If there is active family violence risk, the counsellor advocate will liaise with a family violence organisation such as Safesteps, The Orange Door and/or a local family violence service to make a referral.
Victim survivor is allocated and supported to engage in more appropriate service option based on need and risk
A survivor of sexual violence can access counselling, advocacy and support through the specialist sexual assault sector
A counsellor advocate provides specialist sexual assault counselling to support a healing and trauma-informed journey of recovery. They can also support a victim survivor through advocacy and support options including referrals to appropriate services.
Potential to identify family violence risk
While the counsellor advocate provides counselling and advocacy they are continuing to screen for current family violence risk. If there is active family violence risk, the counsellor advocate will liaise with a family violence organisation such as Safesteps, The Orange Door and/or a local family violence service to make a referral.
After office hours (5pm – 9am)
Victim survivor speaks with Victorian Sexual Assault Crisis Line (SACL)
Victim survivor speaks with Victorian Sexual Assault Crisis Line (SACL)
Calling a specialist sexual assault service after office hours (5pm – 9am) will redirect to SACL.
SACL provides after-hours counselling and crisis coordination. A victim survivor may need a crisis response if they have experienced a recent sexual assault (please see map for detailed crisis response). They can also request crisis counselling or to be referred to specialist sexual assault service for ongoing therapeutic counselling and advocacy.
To find a local specialist sexual assault service in Victoria visit SASVic's service map.
To call SACL, the number is 1800 806 292.
Potential to identify family violence risk
There is the potential to identify family violence risk at this step. If there is active family violence risk, the counsellor advocate will liaise with a family violence organisation such as Safesteps, The Orange Door and/or a local family violence service to make a referral.
Refer to specialist sexual assault service for ongoing counselling and advocacy
If a client requests ongoing counselling and advocacy that is not a crisis response, they will be referred to a local specialist sexual assault service for further support during business hours.
To find a local specialist sexual assault service in Victoria visit SASVic's service map.
For the best user experience of our counselling, advocacy and support pathway, we recommend you use a desktop or wide screen monitor to view this page. Click the image below to download a PDF of the pathway.
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