A 24 hr free and confidential support service to support you after sexual assault. The Sexual Assault Response Team comprises workers from the Specialist Sexual Assault Support Service, Detectives from the Child Abuse and Sexual Crimes Unit, Nurse examiners from the Clinical Forensic Medicine Unit, Allied Health staff from The Townsville Hospital.
000
If you have concerns for your immediate safety, or that of another individual.
47 757 555
Sexual Assault Response Team
44 331 111
The Townsville Hospital
47 599 743
Specialist Detectives from Queensland Police Service
1. The Police
Do I have to report it to the police?
You do not have to report the crime to police. Townsville Sexual Assault Support Service can provide you with information about your rights and choices to help you decide whether to report the sexual assault to police. You can also be provided with support during and following reporting sexual assault to police.
2. Townsville Hospital and Health Service
If you present to the Emergency Department, SART will be contacted to support you. You can speak to a doctor about any injuries or medical concerns.
3. Forensic examination
The purpose of a forensic examination is to collect evidence and document any injuries which have occurred as a result of the sexual assault.
With your consent, police will arrange for you to see a forensic nurse examiner. Support is available to you throughout this process.
4. Townsville Sexual Assault Support Service
A specialist sexual assault support worker will provide victim focused care, support and information to you.
Whether you choose to report to police or be seen by a forensic nurse examiner, or not, you will be able to access free, confidential ongoing specialist sexual assault counselling and support.
At all stages of the SART process, your rights as a victim of crime will be met and you will be treated with dignity and respect. High quality care, making informed choices and empowerment are the foundations for support and recovery from trauma.
5. Victim Assist Queensland
A victim of crime is defined under the Victims of Crime Assistance Act 2009 as anyone who has been injured by an act of violence committed against them in Queensland (s27).
Help and financial assistance may be available for primary victims of an act of violence, and others, who may be the parents of child victims or witnesses to a violent crime.
An injury may include physical, psychological or emotional injury or adverse impacts resulting from sexual offences or domestic and family violence.
A victim of crime may be eligible to receive financial assistance from Victim Assist Queensland to help in the recovery from the act of violence.
For further information see
6. Sexual Health Service
This service is free and confidential. If you have been sexually assaulted, you should consider having a sexual health check for pregnancy prevention and sexually transmitted infection.
Useful literature
Recovering from Adult Sexual Assault – Navigating the Journey
Sharing the Unshareable – a resource for women on recovering from child sexual abuse
Interagency Guidelines