April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month. This is an important time to recognise the significant impact of sexual violence and abuse as widespread problems in our communities, our homes and our lives.
The Centre for Women’s Safety and Wellbeing is working for victim survivors of sexual violence in partnership with services and stakeholders to:
- Transform attitudes about sexual violence and abuse.
- Improve responses for all victim survivors.
- End sexual violence and abuse in all its forms.
What is sexual violence?
Sexual violence is an umbrella term that includes any sexual behaviours or sexual acts that are committed against a person’s will. Sexual violence can affect people of all genders throughout their lives and can be perpetrated by strangers or people who are known to the victim-survivor, including intimate partners. However, we know that women are significantly and consistently more at risk of sexual violence and that violence is nearly always perpetrated by men. It is estimated that 23% of women and 8% of men have experienced at least 1 sexual assault since the age of 15[1]. Women are over three times more likely to have experienced sexual violence by a man they knew than by a male stranger. The effects of sexual assault can last a lifetime, extending out to family members, school and work, communities and down through generations.
[1]Australian Bureau of Statistics. (2021, August 24). Sexual Violence – Victimisation. ABS. https://www.abs.gov.au/articles/sexual-violence-victimisation
WA sexual assault support services
Anyone who experiences sexual violence is entitled to support, and legal and medical assistance. There are several Sexual Assault Support Services throughout regional Western Australia and a centralised Sexual Assault Resource Centre (SARC) in Perth. These services provide support to people of all genders over the age of 13 across the continuum of sexual violence experience, specifically a current, recent or past sexual abuse or assault.
The Sexual Assault Support Services are facing unprecedented demand, with rising rates of sexual violence and longer wait times. Despite this, funding has not changed for the regional services in almost a decade.
That’s why we are reviewing these services this year, to ensure they are supported to respond to and help victim-survivors.
To find a service near you follow this link ➡️ https://cwsw.org.au/directory/sexual-assault-support-services/
For immediate help and support please contact 1800 Respect (1800 737 732).
