Support services and information

There are many different support services available for people affected by sexual assault. Along with general sexual violence support services, Queensland has services specifically aimed at supporting First Nations peoples, people with disabilities, men, people who identify as LGBTQIA+, and people whose first language is not English. You can find contact details and more information on these services below. Police can also help you get into contact with a support service by referring you after you speak to them.

If you know someone who has been sexually assaulted and would like more information, go to our How can I help? page.

You can find a non-exhaustive list of services on the Queensland Government website, including statewide and local services. If you would like more information on medical services, visit our medical assistance page or the Queensland Health website.

Support services for people with disabilities

People with disabilities are 4-10 times more likely to be victim-survivors of sexual violence, and 39% - 60% of women with a cognitive disability will be sexually assaulted before adulthood. This is one of the reasons it is important that people with disabilities receive appropriate and tailored support. Working With Intellectual and Learning Disabilities (WWILD) is a support agency available in Brisbane and surrounds which provides several services including counselling for those living with intellectual and learning disabilities. You can visit the WWILD website for more information.

Support services for people who are Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD)

Research has shown that people who come from non-English speaking backgrounds are less likely to seek assistance or report to the police and that CALD women are more likely to experience sexual violence. This creates an even greater need for those from CALD backgrounds to feel comfortable in speaking with support services. Immigrant Women’s Support Service (IWSS) provides specialist sexual violence support and works with interpreters and translators to support those who do not speak English as their first language.

Support services for people who identify as LGBTQIA+

Almost half of people who identify as LGBTQIA+ are reported to have been victim-survivors of sexual violence. Queensland Police Service recognises that victim-survivors with diverse genders and sexualities may want tailored support, ensuring they feel safe and understood. LGBTQIA+ Liaison Officers are available to assist you – you can find more information on our LGBTQIA+ page.

Support services for First Nations people

First Nations women face disproportionately high rates of sexual violence and are 3.4 times more likely to be victim-survivors of sexual assault than non-Indigenous women. It’s important to recognise that First Nations people need tailored support. Murrigunyah Family and Cultural Healing Centre services Greater Brisbane and can help with free counselling, court support, and acting as a cultural link between you and other mainstream services. For those outside of south-east Queensland, you can find a full list of services who can provide tailored support to First Nations people through the Queensland Government website.

Support services for men

There are unique challenges for men who have been sexually abused in childhood or assaulted as an adult. If this is you, it’s important to know that you are not alone and that you are believed. You can visit our Men affected by sexual violence page for more information. Living Well is a specific support agency which focuses on helping men affected by sexual assault and is local to Queensland. You can visit the Living Well website for useful information to support male victim-survivors, as well as community education resources and contacts for further support. 54 Reasons is another support agency, which offers male-specific support Queensland-wide, to those who identify as male and are over 14 years. You can visit the 54 Reasons website for information on free counselling, assistance with case management or financial applications.

It’s important that you feel supported and not alone throughout this process. We encourage you to speak with a support service that you feel is right for you.