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Respond to sexual violence

What is sexual violence?

Sexual violence is any unwanted sexual behaviour towards another person. It can happen in public, private or institutional settings and can be carried out by people known to the victim-survivor (including family members, partners or former partners) or by strangers.

Sexual violence can happen to anyone, regardless of their age or gender, and it can have lifelong impacts on people who experience it. It is important to recognise that many people take a long time—sometimes decades—to disclose sexual violence and many people will never make a formal report. Often victim-survivors of sexual violence are reluctant to speak about their experiences because they fear not being believed.

What can you do?

As a Queensland public servant, if you have contact with a person who discloses they have experienced sexual violence, it is important to respond in a way that makes them feel believed and supported, and gives them a say in what happens next.

Adults who have experienced sexual violence

If an adult tells you they have experienced sexual violence recently or in the past:

If the person has recently experienced sexual assault, you should also support them to access help for any medical needs or injuries by calling an ambulance on Triple Zero (000) or recommending they go to the emergency department at their local hospital.

Children who have experienced sexual violence

If you suspect a child is experiencing, or is at risk of, sexual abuse, contact:

  • Triple Zero (000) if you believe a child is in immediate danger or a life-threatening situation
  • the Child Safety Regional Intake Services
  • Child Safety After Hours Service Centre on 1800 177 135 (24 hours a day)
  • ChildWise National Child Abuse Prevention Helpline on 1800 991 099.

All adults also have a legal obligation to report sexual offences against children to police unless they have a reasonable excuse not to. More information is available online regarding the failure to report offence.

More information

Find out more about sexual abuse and assault and child abuse on the For Queenslanders website.

Visit the Department of Justice and Attorney-General website to find out more about the Queensland Government's sexual violence prevention policies, including the: