As part of Sexual Violence Awareness Month activity, the Queensland Police Service (QPS) and Gold Coast Centre Against Sexual Violence (GCCASV) have partnered to raise awareness of sexual assaults and violence in our community and how survivors can access support.
The video, released across social media today, gives survivors an overview of the support options available through organisations like GCCASV and details how they can access police support which may include a formal report or less formal Alternative Reporting Option (ARO).
Detective Acting Superintendent Mark White acknowledged that deciding what to do was a challenging and very personal decision for a survivor.
"We know that the courage to open up and share what happened can be incredibly tough for sexual assault survivors and when you are able to share, deciding what to do next is very much a personal decision," Detective Acting Superintendent White said.
"Those who are ready, can seek support from police and this doesn't mean they need to press charges or go to court. Several options are available to contact us, from in-person, phone and online. You can even remain anonymous.
"Alternative Reporting Option or ARO provides an opportunity for survivors to share their experience with police in a way that could assist others -this information can assist police in identifying offenders and stopping an assault from happening to someone else.
Detective Acting Superintendent White said raising broader awareness and opening the conversation on sexual assault was essential.
"We are really proud to be able to partner and work so closely with organisations such as the Gold Coast Centre Against Sexual Violence to be able to offer survivors access to the support they need," he said.
"Sexual assault is never ok. If you have experienced an assault you should know that it is not your fault and you are not alone. Police are here to listen and give advice on options regardless of when an assault happened as well as support you through this process."
GCCASV founder and Director Di Macleod said we all have a part to play when speaking to those who may have been affected by or experienced sexual violence.
"When responding to victim/survivors of sexual violence it is always important to start by believing because being heard and validated is central to their healing journey," she said.
"Access to justice can take many forms and it is vital that the voices and choices of victim/survivors remain the focus.
"Organisations like Gold Coast Centre Against Sexual Violence are there to support the survivor on decision making around their individual pathways to justice whatever that might look like."
If you, or someone you know, has experienced a sexual assault, please reach out for support.
To find a support service that suits your needs visit the Queensland Sexual Assault Network (qsan.org.au).
To make a report or access police support visit www.police.qld.gov.au/units/victims-of-crime/support-for-victims-of-crime/adult-sexual-assault
If there's an immediate danger, call Triple Zero (000).
