The Women’s provides services 24 hours a day, seven days to victim/survivors of both past and recent sexual assault. The Women’s established Victoria’s first Centre Against Sexual Assault (CASA House) and runs the statewide Sexual Assault Crisis Line that coordinates an immediate response to sexual assault in Victoria.
Sexual assault
Sexual assault is any sexual behaviour that makes a person feel uncomfortable, frightened or threatened. It is sexual activity to which a person does not agree. The use of emotional or physical violence to force another person to engage in sexual activity also constitutes sexual assault.
Find out how to help a friend or who to call for help here.
Remember that victim/survivors never provoke sexual assault, they are never to blame and they are never responsible for the actions of the perpetrator.
Violence against women
Violence against women is the leading preventable cause of death and disability in Victorian women under the age of 45.
Women who have been exposed to violence have a greater risk of developing a range of health problems that have been linked to their experience of overwhelming stress. These health problems can include: stress, anxiety, depression, increased awareness of pain, gastrointestinal disorders, gynaecological difficulties and some inflammatory conditions.
Most perpetrators of violence are known to the victim/survivors, and can include intimate partners, family members or friends/acquaintances. Violence against women may include physical, sexual, verbal, psychological, emotional, financial, spiritual or cultural abuse.