Family Violence and Sexual Assault

Family Violence and Sexual Assault

We provide a range of supports to people who have experienced sexual assault or family violence. We can also provide some support to family members and partners of people who have been harmed by sexual assault or family violence.

Our services for family violence

If you have been impacted by family violence in the ACT, you can seek support from us. Many of our clients contact us themselves about family violence support, while others are referred by support services.

At VSACT we can assist you if you have experienced, or are experiencing family violence in these ways:

  • We can provide you with free, confidential counselling with an external provider
  • We can assist you to apply for financial assistance (see below)
  • We can support you to report to police
  • We can link you with services that can assist you to apply for protection orders
  • We can assist you to understand the criminal justice system
  • We can advocate for your rights in the criminal justice system
  • We can refer you to other services to meet your needs

You do not need to report the family violence to police to access these services.

Please contact us to find out more.

Financial assistance for family violence

The financial assistance scheme may be able to make payments to assist you.

Immediate needs payments

You can apply for an immediate need payment to directly pay for things that could help keep you safe because of family violence, for example:

  • to change your locks
  • CCTV cameras for your home
  • security screens for your doors
  • a removalist if you need to move out of your current home
  • a storage facility for your household items as you move

You can also apply for assistance to pay for emergency medical costs for an injury you have experienced because of family violence.

You may be able to get an immediate needs payment even if you haven’t reported the family violence to police.

If you have not reported to police, you will need to have told at least two of the following agencies and/or professionals:

  • a government agency (including Victim Support ACT support services)
  • a doctor, psychologist, counsellor or social worker
  • certain non-government agencies including the Domestic Violence Crisis Service and the Canberra Rape Crisis Centre

For more information see the immediate needs payment page.

Economic loss payments

If you have experienced family violence, you can apply for economic loss payments to reimburse costs such as:

  • medical and dental to recover from injuries caused by family violence
  • counselling and other psychological care (that cannot be provided by VSACT)
  • lost income resulting from recovery
  • replacement of a mobile phone that is damaged or stolen as a result of family violence.

You may be able to get an economic loss payment even if you haven’t reported the family violence to police.

If you have not reported to police, you will need to have told both:

  • a government agency and
  • a doctor, psychologist, counsellor or social worker

about the family violence.

Recognition payments

In some circumstances a recognition payment can be made to acknowledge the harm experienced because of a violent crime.

To get a recognition payment you will need to have reported the family violence to police.

Family Violence Safety Action Program

The ACT’s Family Violence Safety Action Program (FVSAP) operates within Victim Support ACT. You cannot refer yourself to the FVSAP. However, if you are at risk of serious harm from family violence, Victim Support ACT or another agency might refer you to the FVSAP. They will talk to you about this before referring you.

Our services after sexual assault

At VSACT, we support a lot of people who have experienced sexual assault. We can assist you by:

  • Providing you with free, confidential counselling with an external provider
  • Assisting you to apply for financial assistance (see below)
  • Providing information about what to expect if you decide to report to police
  • Providing linkages to services that can assist you to apply for protection orders
  • Providing information and support in relation to the criminal justice system
  • Advocating for your rights in the criminal justice system
  • Referring you to other services to meet your full range of needs

You do not need to report the sexual assault to police to access our service.

We will treat you with respect, dignity and understanding.

Please contact us if you would like to find out more.

Financial assistance for sexual assault

The financial assistance scheme may be able to make payments to assist you.

Immediate needs payments

You can apply for an immediate need payment to directly pay for things that could help keep you safe because of sexual assault, for example:

  • to change your locks
  • a removalist if you need to move out of your current home
  • a storage facility for your household items as you move

You can also apply for assistance to pay for emergency medical costs for an injury you have experienced because of family violence.

You may be able to get an immediate needs payment even if you haven’t reported the sexual assault to police.

If you have not reported to police, you will need to have told at least two of the following agencies and/or professionals:

  • a government agency (including Victim Support ACT support services)
  • a doctor, psychologist, counsellor or social worker
  • certain non-government agencies including the Domestic Violence Crisis Service and the Canberra Rape Crisis Centre

For more information see the immediate needs payment page.

Economic loss payments

If you have experienced sexual assault, you can apply for economic loss payments to reimburse costs such as:

  • medical and dental to recover from injuries caused by the sexual assault
  • counselling and other psychological care (that cannot be provided by VSACT).

You may be able to get an economic loss payment even if you haven’t reported the sexual assault to police.

If you have not reported to police, you will need to have told both:

  • a government agency and
  • a doctor, psychologist, counsellor or social worker

about the sexual assault.

Recognition payments

In some circumstances a recognition payment can be made to acknowledge the harm experienced because of a violent crime.

To get a recognition payment you will need to have reported the sexual assault to police.

Where else can I get help?

ACT Policing

The Domestic Violence Crisis Service provide emergency and long-term support. They can also help you with safety planning.

Canberra Rape Crisis Centre

The CRCC crisis line is available from 7am to 11pm everyday.

Service Assisting Male Survivors of Sexual Assault

Phone: (02) 6247 2525 between 7am and 11pm

Applying for a protection order from the Court

You may wish to apply for a family violence protection order or personal protection order. These resources might be of assistance to you:

Safety Planning

The Domestic Violence Crisis Service can help you plan for personal and online safety.

The National Domestic Family and Sexual Violence Counselling Service 1800RESPECT are also able to talk with you about safety. They are open 24 hours.