Understanding Sexual Assault and Sexual Harassment
Support and information for people affected by sexual assault or sexual harassment
Women, children, and gender-diverse people of all ages and backgrounds can experience sexual assault and harassment¹. It is a widespread problem and driven by gender inequality2. While anyone can experience it, women, trans and gender-diverse people are disproportionately affected. No matter the intention, sexual harassment or assault of any kind is not okay.
What is sexual assault?
Sexual assault refers to any unwanted or forced sexual behaviour that you have not consented to. It may cause humiliation, pain, fear or intimidation.
It can take many forms, including:
- Unwanted kissing or touching
- Sexual coercion
- Incest or child sexual abuse
- Rape
- Behaviour that does not involve touching, such as forcing someone to watch pornography or masturbation
Sexual assault is a serious crime. It’s important to understand that it is not about sex; it’s about power and control.
What is sexual harassment?
Sexual harassment has a broader meaning and is any unwanted or unwelcome sexual behaviour that may make you feel unsafe, intimidated, humiliated or uncomfortable.3
It can happen in person or online and does not always involve physical contact.
It can include:
- Inappropriate jokes, comments or suggestive remarks
- Unwanted touching, physical intimidation or coercive behaviour
- Sharing or displaying explicit images without consent
- Sending inappropriate messages or stalking online4
Sexual harassment is against the law in many areas of public life, including workplaces, schools, accommodation and services. 5
Impacts of sexual assault and harassment
There is no “correct” response to abuse, and people may respond in different ways.
Common responses include:
- Self-blame, fear, anxiety, or panic attacks
- Sleep disturbances, emotional numbness, or denial
- Anger, confusion or mistrust
- Isolation, shame or difficulty seeking help
- Reduced confidence, self-worth or participation in work, study or relationships
All people deserve to be safe and free from sexual abuse and harassment. But women and gender diverse people can be isolated, ashamed, and made to feel they’re in the wrong if they assert this right. Taking action can be difficult, so it can help to seek support from people you trust to do this.
Challenging myths
There are many harmful myths about sexual assault and harassment that can shift blame away from the person responsible and make it harder for people to seek support.
Common myths include:
- “Victims enjoy it”
- “Men can’t control their sexual urges”
- “Most assaults are committed by strangers”
- “Only certain people experience sexual assault”
The reality:
- Sexual assault and harassment are never invited, deserved or wanted
- Responsibility always lies with the person choosing to use violence or abuse
- Most perpetrators are known to the victim (around 80%)6
- Assault occurs across all social classes, income levels, races, and age groups
Seeking support
If you have experienced sexual assault or harassment, you do not have to manage it on your own. You may feel unsure about what to do next or whether you want to report what happened. Speaking with a trusted person, counsellor or support service like CASA or WIRE can help you feel less alone, understand your options, and decide what feels right for you.
- You may also be eligible for financial assistance through the Victims of Crime Assistance Tribunal (VOCAT), which can help cover counselling, medical costs, lost income and other expenses related to the impact of violent crime.
- If you have experienced same-sex assault, you can ask to speak with a Victoria Police Gay and Lesbian Liaison Officer.
Supporting someone who has experienced sexual assault or harassment
Supporting someone who has experienced sexual assault can feel difficult or overwhelming at times. It’s not always easy to know what to say or do, but these simple ‘dos’ and ‘don’ts’ can help guide your response. You may also find it helpful to get professional advice.
Do:
- Believe and listen without judgement
- Stay calm and supportive
- Help with everyday tasks
- Respect their choices and privacy
- Encourage professional support
Don’t:
- Blame or question them
- Take control or demand details
- Minimise the impact or sympathise with the perpetrator
- Offer support you can’t sustain
Getting Support
Our trained support workers can talk through what’s happening and help you understand your options, at your own pace.
You can call WIRE on 1300 134 130, start a web chat, or book an appointment.
Emergency Support
| Emergency Services | Call 000 if you or someone is in immediate danger |
Legal Support
WIRE recognises that women and gender diverse people can face barriers to accessing legal support and can help connect you with trusted services that understand family violence.
| Nicholes Law | Website: https://nicholeslaw.com.au/ Phone: 03 9670 4122 |
| Victoria Legal Aid | Website: https://www.legalaid.vic.gov.au/ Phone: 1300 792 387 |
Family & Violence Support
| WIRE | Website: https://www.wire.org.au/ Phone: 1300 134 130 |
| The Orange Door (Family violence & child support) | Website: https://www.orangedoor.vic.gov.au/ |
| Family Relationship Advice Line (Help with relationships & separation) | Website: https://www.familyrelationships.gov.au/talk-someone/advice-line Phone: 1800 050 321 |
| 1800RESPECT (24/7 family violence counselling) | Website: https://1800respect.org.au/ Phone: 1800 737 732 |
| SafeSteps Family Violence Response Centre (Vic) | Website: https://safesteps.org.au/our-services/ Phone: 1800 015 188 |
| Raising Children Network (Parenting strategies, behaviour tips, and relationship resources) | Website: https://raisingchildren.net.au/ |
| The Line (Resources for young people and parents around respectful relationships and changing harmful behaviour) | Website: https://www.theline.org.au/ |
| Kids Helpline | Website: https://kidshelpline.com.au/ Phone: 1800 55 1800 |
| Victorian Sexual Assault Crisis Line | Phone: 1800 806 292 (after hours) / 03 8345 3494 (police/emergency) |
| CASA (Centre Against Sexual Assault) | Website: https://www.casahouse.com.au/contact-us Phone: 1800 806 292 |
| Victims of Crime Helpline (Vic) | Phone: 1800 819 817 |
Online Support
| eSafety Commissioner (Help with cyberstalking, image-based abuse, and online safety) | Website: esafety.gov.au |
| Wesnet (Provides free smartphone and tech safety training to women experiencing violence) | Website: https://wesnet.org.au/ Phone: 1800 937 638 |
Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Support
| Yarning Safe’N’Strong Helpline (24/7 cultural wellbeing support) | Website: https://www.vahs.org.au/yarning-safenstrong/ Phone: 1800 959 563 (24/7) |
| 13YARN (Crisis support for mob) | Website: https://www.13yarn.org.au/ Phone: 13 92 76 (24/7) |
| Djirra (Support for Aboriginal women) | Website: https://djirra.org.au/ Phone: 1800 105 303 |
LGBTQIA+ Support
| QLife (LGBTQIA+ peer counselling) | Website: https://qlife.org.au/ Phone: 1800 184 527 |
Mental Health Support
| Australian Psychological Society (Find a registered psychologist) | Website: https://psychology.org.au/ Phone: 03 8662 3300 |
| Lifeline (24/7 crisis counselling) | Website: https://www.lifeline.org.au/ Phone: 13 11 14 (24/7) |
| Beyond Blue (Support for anxiety & depression) | Website: https://www.beyondblue.org.au/ Phone: 1300 22 4636 |
| Better Place Australia (Counselling & family support) | Website: https://www.betterplaceaustralia.com.au/ Phone: 1800 639 523 |
Multicultural & Migration Support
| InTouch (Multicultural Centre Against Family Violence) | Website: https://intouch.org.au/ Phone: 1800 755 988 |
| My Blue Sky (Forced Marriage & Migration Exploitation) | Website: https://mybluesky.org.au/ Phone: 02 9514 8115 |
| Immigration Advice & Rights Centre | Website: https://iarc.org.au/ Phone: 02 8234 0700 |
| Australian Red Cross (Support for Trafficked People Program) | Website: https://www.redcross.org.au/migration/support-for-people-impacted-by-modern-slavery/ Phone: 03 9345 1800 |
| Australian Muslim Women’s Centre for Human Rights | Website: https://amwchr.org.au/ Phone: 03 9481 3000 |
Financial Support
| Financial Independence Hub | Website: https://goodshep.org.au/services/fih/ Phone: 1300 050 150 |
| National Debt Helpline | Website: https://ndh.org.au/ Phone: 1800 007 007 |
| Centrelink Financial Information Service Officers | Website: https://www.servicesaustralia.gov.au/financial-information-service-officers?context=21836 Phone: 132 300 |
Elder Support
| National Elder Abuse Helpline | Phone: 1800 353 374 |