#SVAM2020 Campaign

Week One: Myths and Facts

[Download Week One (images and text) Word 920kb]

What is sexual assault?

Myth: Sexual assault is more likely to occur in a public place.
Fact: This is a common misconception especially amongst young adults. Sexual assault can happen anywhere and anytime. Most sexual assaults often occur in private spaces such as homes of the victims or perpetrators.

To find out more, visit: https://qsan.org.au/myths-facts/

#SVAM2020 #SexualViolenceAwarenessMonth

[photo: Rita Malcok on Unsplash]

What is sexual assault?

Myth: Girls and women ask to be sexually assaulted by the way they dress and behave.
Fact: Women and children of all ages, cultures and backgrounds are sexually assaulted. Women may dress in a way to attract or to feel good about themselves but that is different to asking to be sexually assaulted. This is like saying that someone wants to be robbed because they have money in their wallet.

To find out more, visit: https://qsan.org.au/myths-facts/

#SVAM2020 #sexualviolenceawarenessmonth

[photo: Larm Rmah on Unsplash]

What is sexual assault?

Myth: Rape is a 'spur of the moment' act.
Fact: Most rapists plan carefully in advance, and set up situations so the rape can take place. A rapist is capable of raping again and again.

To find out more, visit: https://qsan.org.au/myths-facts/

#SVAM2020 #sexualviolenceawarenessmonth

[photo: Thomas Verbruggen on Unsplash]

What is sexual assault?

Myth: Women and children make up stories about being sexually assaulted.
Fact: This is a commonly held belief in the community. But, research suggests only a minority of disclosures of sexual assault are false. Women are more likely to deny or minimise sexual assault experiences than make them up.

To find out more, visit: https://qsan.org.au/myths-facts/

#SVAM2020 #SexualViolenceAwarenessMonth

[photo: Johny Goerend on Unsplash]

What is sexual assault?

Myth: Sexual assault offenders are mentally ill.
Fact: The majority of sexual offenders are not mentally ill. Mental illness does not cause people to sexually offend. Many sex offenders are functioning people in the community, they have jobs, are married, have children. The media often seem to focus on sex offenders who fit the stereotype; they are selective in who they choose to report on. This only helps to maintain the silence on sexual assault. This makes it difficult for people to believe that someone who doesn’t fit that profile could commit sexual offences.

To find out more, visit: https://qsan.org.au/myths-facts/

#SVAM2020 #SexualViolenceAwarenessMonth

[photo: Bady Abbas on Unsplash]

What is sexual assault?

Myth: Men cannot be sexually assaulted.
Fact: Any unwanted sexual contact against any person by any other person is a sexual assault.

To find out more, visit: https://qsan.org.au/myths-facts/

#SVAM2020 #SexualViolenceAwarenessMonth

[photo: Timothy Johnson on Unsplash]

Back to top

Week Two: Did You Know?

[Download Week Two (images and text) Word 970kb]

Sexual Violence in Queensland:
- In 2017, there were 4,751 recorded victims of sexual assault – increasing for the sixth year in a row.
- 70% of recorded sexual assaults took place in a residential location (e.g. a home).
- 74% of victims knew the offender – and of those, just over half were non-family members (e.g. friends, ex-partners, teachers, acquaintances, colleagues).
- It is estimated that 75% of sexual assaults are never reported – so these statistics are likely to be much higher.

(Source: Australian Bureau of Statistics, Recorded Crime – Victims, Australia, 2017.)

To find out more, visit: https://qsan.org.au/key-facts/

#SVAM2020 #SexualViolenceAwarenessMonth #affirmativeconsent #consent #sexualassault #WeBelieveYou #SVAM #StartByBelieving

[photo by Alexander Andrews on Unsplash]

Women and girls:
- In 2017, women and girls made up 83% of victims of recorded sexual assaults in Queensland.
- Half of those women were between 10 and 19 years of age.
- In Australia, 1 in 6 women report that they have been physically and/or sexually abused before the age of 15.

(Sources: Australian Bureau of Statistics, Personal Safety Survey 2016 & Recorded Crime – Victims, Australia, 2017.)

To find out more, visit: https://qsan.org.au/key-facts/

#SVAM2020 #SexualViolenceAwarenessMonth #affirmativeconsent #consent #sexualassault #WeBelieveYou #SVAM #StartByBelieving

[photo by Peter Fogden on Unsplash]

Men and boys
- In 2017, men and boys made up 17% of victims of recorded sexual assaults in Queensland.
- Of those men and boys, just over half were under the age of 14.
- 1 in 9 men report that they have been physically and/or sexually abused before the age of 15.
- In 2016-17 in Queensland, 95% of recorded sexual offences were committed by men.
- Males aged 15 to 19 committed the largest amount of offences compared to all other age groups.

(Sources: Australian Bureau of Statistics, Personal Safety Survey 2016 & Recorded Crime – Victims, Australia, 2017; Queensland Police Service, Annual Statistical Review 2016-17.)

To find out more, visit: https://qsan.org.au/key-facts/

#SVAM2020 #SexualViolenceAwarenessMonth #affirmativeconsent #consent #sexualassault #WeBelieveYou #SVAM #StartByBelieving

[photo by Zain Ali on Unsplash]

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are 3 times more likely to experience sexual assault than non-Indigenous Australians.
- 12% of victims of recorded sexual assault in Queensland are Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander, despite making up only 4% of the population.

(Sources: Australian Bureau of Statistics, Personal Safety Survey 2016 & Recorded Crime – Victims, Australia, 2017.)

To find out more, visit: https://qsan.org.au/key-facts/

#SVAM2020 #SexualViolenceAwarenessMonth #affirmativeconsent #consent #sexualassault #WeBelieveYou #SVAM #StartByBelieving

[photo by Oliver Sjöström on Pexels]

Women from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds:
While statistics are not readily available, services estimate the vast majority of women from a migrant and refugee background have experienced sexual assault.

Source: Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, Family, domestic and sexual violence in Australia, 2018.

To find out more, visit: https://qsan.org.au/key-facts/

#SVAM2020 #SexualViolenceAwarenessMonth #affirmativeconsent #consent #sexualassault #WeBelieveYou #SVAM #StartByBelieving

[photo by Jerin John on Unsplash]

Men and boys
- In 2017, men and boys made up 17% of victims of recorded sexual assaults in Queensland.
- Of those men and boys, just over half were under the age of 14.
- 1 in 9 men report that they have been physically and/or sexually abused before the age of 15.
- In 2016-17 in Queensland, 95% of recorded sexual offences were committed by men.
- Males aged 15 to 19 committed the largest amount of offences compared to all other age groups.

Sources: Australian Bureau of Statistics, Personal Safety Survey 2016 & Recorded Crime – Victims, Australia, 2017; Queensland Police Service, Annual Statistical Review 2016-17.

To find out more, visit: https://qsan.org.au/key-facts/

#SVAM2020 #SexualViolenceAwarenessMonth #affirmativeconsent #consent #sexualassault #WeBelieveYou #SVAM #StartByBelieving

[photo by Engin Akyurt on Unsplash]

Back to top

Week Three: Where to get support

[Download Week Three (images and text) Word 840kb]

Looking for support?
We are here to help you get past the barriers to accessing sexual assault counselling and support.
If you have been impacted by sexual assault, rape or sexual violence, it's not your fault. There are many ways for you to get the support you need. Our support services will listen to you and they will believe you. They will work with you in the way that suits you best. You can decide how to address the impacts of what you have experienced. It doesn't matter how long ago it happened or if you don’t think it was serious enough, if it is impacting you then we are here to help.

For regional and statewide services, visit: https://qsan.org.au/services/

#SVAM2020 #SexualViolenceAwarenessMonth #AffirmativeConsent #consent #SexualAssault #WeBelieveYou #SVAM #StartByBelieving

[photo by Patrick Tomasso on Unsplash]

Looking for support?
If you are a man who has been sexually abused in childhood or assaulted as an adult, you are not alone.
If you have been impacted by sexual assault, rape or sexual violence, it's not your fault. Living Well will work with you in the way that suits you best and may also be able to connect you in with local QSAN services who can assist you. You can decide how to address the impacts of what you have experienced. It doesn't matter how long ago it happened or if you don’t think it was serious enough, if it is impacting you then Living Well is here to help.

Visit: https://qsan.org.au/support/living-well/ to discuss the best way forward for you.

#SVAM2020 #SexualViolenceAwarenessMonth #AffirmativeConsent #consent #SexualAssault #WeBelieveYou #SVAM #StartByBelieving

[photo by Markus Voetter on Unsplash]

Looking for support?
Sexual violence can happen in all kinds of relationships, to anyone at any age. If you have been impacted by sexual assault, rape or sexual violence, it's not your fault. There are many ways for you to get the support you need. Our support services will listen to you and they will believe you. They will work with you in the way that suits you best. You can decide how to address the impacts of what you have experienced. It doesn't matter how long ago it happened or if you don’t think it was serious enough, if it is impacting you then we are here to help.

For regional and statewide services, visit: https://qsan.org.au/services/

#SVAM2020 #SexualViolenceAwarenessMonth #AffirmativeConsent #consent #SexualAssault #WeBelieveYou #SVAM #StartByBelieving

[photo by Alex Shutin on Unsplash]

Looking for support?
If you have been impacted by sexual assault, rape or sexual violence, it's not your fault. There are many ways for you to get the support you need. Our support services will listen to you and they will believe you. They will work with you in the way that suits you best. You can decide how to address the impacts of what you have experienced. It doesn't matter how long ago it happened or if you don’t think it was serious enough, if it is impacting you then we are here to help.

For regional and statewide services, visit: https://qsan.org.au/services/

#SVAM2020 #SexualViolenceAwarenessMonth #AffirmativeConsent #consent #SexualAssault #WeBelieveYou #SVAM #StartByBelieving

[photo by Slavav Stupachenko on Unsplash]

Looking for support?
If you have been impacted by sexual assault, rape or sexual violence, it's not your fault. There are many ways for you to get the support you need. Our support services will listen to you and they will believe you. They will work with you in the way that suits you best. You can decide how to address the impacts of what you have experienced. It doesn't matter how long ago it happened or if you don’t think it was serious enough, if it is impacting you then we are here to help.

For regional and statewide services, visit: https://qsan.org.au/services/

#SVAM2020 #SexualViolenceAwarenessMonth #AffirmativeConsent #consent #SexualAssault #WeBelieveYou #SVAM #StartByBelieving

By connecting with good support, you can heal from sexual violence.
If you have been impacted by sexual assault, rape or sexual violence, it's not your fault. There are many ways for you to get the support you need. Our support services will listen to you and they will believe you. They will work with you in the way that suits you best. You can decide how to address the impacts of what you have experienced. It doesn't matter how long ago it happened or if you don’t think it was serious enough, if it is impacting you then we are here to help.

For regional and statewide services, visit: https://qsan.org.au/services/

#SVAM2020 #SexualViolenceAwarenessMonth #AffirmativeConsent #consent #SexualAssault #WeBelieveYou #SVAM #StartByBelieving

[Photo by Alan Cabello from Pexels]

Back to top

Week Four: How to support someone

[Download Week Four (images and text) Word 1mb]

Support survivors

Sexual violence is a violation of consent. Sexual violence is a crime in which perpetrators seek to control and dominant another person. It is therefore imperative to work in ways that honour consent and promote a survivor’s sense of power and control. Ask them what they need, help them to explore their options and encourage them to make their own decisions.
Sometimes support means providing resources, such as how to connect with support services, seek medical attention, or report the crime to the police.
Some simple, practical ideas which may be useful, include: company, transport to appointments, child care, grocery shopping or cooking a meal. By being available, patient and understanding, you can assist a survivor to reduce the impact of sexual violence on their life.
Providing consistent support is important, given that there can be ups and downs, good periods and difficult periods, even in a single day. Remember, sometimes things appear to get worse before they get better. Being consistent and dependable can have a positive impact in and of itself.
You can say things like:
“You are not alone”
“I care about you and am here to help in any way I can”
“Is there anything I can do to support you?”
“Is there anything you need from me right now?”

For more information, visit: https://qsan.org.au/resources/supporters/supporting-someone-who-has-disclosed-sexual-assault/

#SVAM2020 #SexualViolenceAwarenessMonth #AffirmativeConsent #Consent #SexualAssault #WeBelieveYou #SVAM #StartByBelieving

[Artist: Liberal Jane]

How to support someone
Support the person's choices about what they want to do in relation to the sexual assault.
For survivors of sexual assault, it is important to have safe and supportive networks of friends, family and workers to walk alongside them as they journey through their recovery and survival.
For more information about how to support someone who discloses sexual assault to you, please visit: https://qsan.org.au/resources/supporters/supporting-someone-who-has-disclosed-sexual-assault

#SVAM2020 #SexualViolenceAwarenessMonth #AffirmativeConsent #Consent #SexualAssault #WeBelieveYou #SVAM #StartByBelieving

[Photo by Wolfgang Hasselmann on Unsplash]

Listen to Survivors

Listen carefully to what the person is saying. Let them speak at their own pace, and reveal as much information as they are comfortable sharing.
Try not to interrupt or ask lots of questions as the person may feel like they are interrogated.
You do not need to know all the details, try not to ask for more information about the actual events than is volunteered.

For more information, visit: https://qsan.org.au/resources/supporters/supporting-someone-who-has-disclosed-sexual-assault/

#SVAM2020 #SexualViolenceAwarenessMonth #AffirmativeConsent #Consent #SexualAssault #WeBelieveYou #SVAM #StartByBelieving

[Artist: Liberal Jane]

When a child discloses, we can assure them it’s not their fault and start by believing.
If the person disclosing to you is a child, you may have a legal obligation to report any disclosure to a state child protection authority. For example, teachers, and a range of health professionals may have what is called a "mandatory reporting requirement.”

We cannot promise a child absolute confidentiality. However, we can make sure that they know we are glad they have told someone and that we want to do what we can to make sure they are safe.

It is important to seek advice and support about how to best ensure the child's safety and that they have access to the right supports. Your local sexual assault service or child protection authority can be useful places to discuss your concerns.

Visit https://qsan.org.au/resources/children for further information about what child sexual abuse is and what you can do to help keep children safe.

#SVAM2020 #SexualViolenceAwarenessMonth #AffirmativeConsent #Consent #SexualAssault #WeBelieveYou #SVAM #StartByBelieving

[Photo by Patrick Shaun on Unsplash]

Believe Survivors

It can be extremely difficult for survivors to come forward and share their story. They may feel ashamed, fear they won’t be believed, or worried they may be blamed. Leave any ‘why’ questions out – your job is to support this person. Be careful not to interpret calmness or a lack of visible distress as a sign that the event did not occur. Everyone responds to traumatic events differently. The best thing you can do is believe them.
You can say things like:
“I believe you.”
“It took a lot of courage to tell me about this.”
“It’s not your fault.”
“You didn’t do anything to deserve this.”

For more information, visit: https://qsan.org.au/resources/supporters/supporting-someone-who-has-disclosed-sexual-assault/

#SVAM2020 #SexualViolenceAwarenessMonth #AffirmativeConsent #Consent #SexualAssault #WeBelieveYou #SVAM #StartByBelieving

[Artist: Liberal Jane]

Support for yourself

It is normal to be impacted yourself when someone has disclosed to you their experience of sexual violence. You may feel many things, including shock, anger, powerless, sadness or confusion. You may need to seek your own support. Many QSAN services also provide support to the families and friends of survivors. Remember, the stronger and better supported you are, the greater capacity you will have to support others.

For more information about how to get support for yourself when someone discloses sexual assault to you, please visit: https://qsan.org.au/resources/supporters/supporting-someone-who-has-disclosed-sexual-assault

#SVAM2020 #SexualViolenceAwarenessMonth #AffirmativeConsent #Consent #SexualAssault #WeBelieveYou #SVAM #StartByBelieving

[Photo by Geoffrey Baumbach on Unsplash]

Practical help

Sometimes support means providing resources, such as how to connect with support services, seek medical attention, or report the crime to the police.

Some simple practical ideas which may be useful to offer include company, transport to appointments, child care, grocery shopping or cooking a meal. It is important that you talk with the survivor and check in with them about what they need. By being available, patient and understanding, you can assist a survivor to reduce the impact of sexual violence on their life.

Providing consistent support is important, given that there can be ups and downs, good periods and difficult periods, even in a single day. Remember, sometimes things appear to get worse before they get better. Being consistent and dependable can have a positive impact in and of itself.

For more information about how to support someone who discloses sexual assault to you, please visit: https://qsan.org.au/resources/supporters/supporting-someone-who-has-disclosed-sexual-assault

#SVAM2020 #SexualViolenceAwarenessMonth #AffirmativeConsent #Consent #SexualAssault #WeBelieveYou #SVAM #StartByBelieving

[Photo by freepik]

It’s ok, not to know how to respond.

You do not have to be an expert or know all the right things to say to be able to help someone who has experienced sexual violence. The fact that the person has raised the issue with you indicates that they believe you are someone who can be trusted and supportive.
Each person will react differently to what they experienced and will seek different kinds of help at different times.
You don't have to know all the right things to say.

For more information about how to support someone who discloses sexual assault to you, please visit: https://qsan.org.au/resources/supporters/supporting-someone-who-has-disclosed-sexual-assault

#SVAM2020 #SexualViolenceAwarenessMonth #AffirmativeConsent #Consent #SexualAssault #WeBelieveYou #SVAM #StartByBelieving

‘Listen to You’ was composed by Peppermint Ollie (Olivia) for the QSAN and Sexual Violence Awareness Month, 2019 (SVAM). ‘Listen to You’ promotes the message that survivors of sexual assault shouldn’t have to be afraid of not being believed, which is still a strong issue prevalent in today’s society. QSAN services will listen to you, believe you and support you.

For more information about how to support someone who discloses sexual assault to you, please visit: https://qsan.org.au/resources/supporters/supporting-someone-who-has-disclosed-sexual-assault

#SVAM2020 #SexualViolenceAwarenessMonth #AffirmativeConsent #Consent #SexualAssault #WeBelieveYou #SVAM #StartByBelieving

Back to top