Sexual Violence

What is Sexual Violence?

Sexual violence is any sexual act, like touching, kissing, rubbing, or intercourse, that happens without consent. This means the victim did not agree to it and was forced, tricked, or manipulated into it. It doesn’t matter if the act was completed or just attempted.

Sexual consent is when two or more people agree to engage in a sexual act. Consent must be free, voluntary, informed, and enthusiastic. Everyone involved must genuinely want to participate.

• Changing Consent: You can change your mind at any time during a sexual act. It is important to ask for consent throughout the act.
• When Consent is Not Possible: A person who is unconscious, asleep, intoxicated, or underage (younger than 16 or 17 years old, depending on the state or territory) cannot give consent.

Sexual assault is against the law in Australia:

• You have the right to be safe and respected.
• Sexual violence is never your fault.
• Help is available, and you are not alone.

Who Can Be an Abuser?

The abuser can be someone you know or a stranger, such as:

• Partners, boyfriends, girlfriends, or spouses
• Ex-partners, ex-boyfriends, ex-girlfriends, or ex-spouses
• Carers, guardians, or family members
• Friends or colleagues
• Sex partners (casual or long-term)
• Teachers, professors, or coaches
• Acquaintances

Forms of Sexual Violence

Sexual violence can take many forms, including:

• Sexual assault
• Sexual abuse
• Rape
• Sexual harassment
• Stealthing (removing a condom without consent)
• Unwanted sexual exposure
• Unwanted sexual comments or jokes
• Sharing photos of you without consent
• Unwanted physical contact (e.g., touching, kissing, rubbing)
• Stalking
• Unwanted explicit communication (words, images, social media)
• Voyeurism (watching someone without their consent)
• Child sexual abuse
• Sexual exploitation and trafficking
• Spiking (putting drugs or alcohol in someone’s drink without their knowledge)

Impact of Sexual Violence

Many survivors of sexual violence feel shame and guilt or fear how others will react. This often stops them from reporting the abuse or seeking help.

If you have experienced any form of sexual violence, remember it is not your fault. What happened to you is not because of what you wear, who you are, or what you do. Sexual violence can happen to anyone.

Getting Help

If you or someone you know has experienced sexual violence, the police or a domestic, family, and sexual violence service provider can help you.

1800RESPECT: Call 1800 737 732 for confidential help and advice.

You can contact the Support for Trafficked People Program on 03 9345 1800 or at national_STPP@redcross.org.au

You can contact the Australian Federal Police on 131 237 or go to the AFP website.

Legal Aid Services: Offer free legal advice and help. They can explain your rights and help you with legal issues. You can contact legal aid in your state or territory here.

The Australian Government also has useful resources about sexual consent in your language.

For more information and support, visit our Support Services Page.