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Sexual assault

Sexual assault is when you are forced, coerced or tricked into doing sexual things when you don’t want to. Sexual assault is never the fault of the survivor. It is also a common experience to wonder whether an experience you’ve had could be sexual assault. You might experience a range of emotions and it’s important to know there are support services who can help you.

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Grace Tame on how sexual assault survivors can share their story with people they trust

Grace Tame, 2021 Australian of the Year, explains what sexual assault survivors can do if they want to share their story safely and constructively.

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What is sexual assault?

If you’ve been sexually assaulted, remember it’s not your fault and it’s never okay for someone to force you to do something you are uncomfortable with.

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What to do if you've realised a past experience was sexual assault

This article can help you work out if a past experience was sexual assault, how to come to terms with this realisation, and what steps you can take next.

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Sexual assault support services

If you’ve been sexually assaulted, you can get help and support.

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6 tips for supporting a friend who's been sexually assaulted

It can be confronting when a friend tells you they’ve been sexually assaulted. Not sure what to do? Here’s how best to support them and yourself.

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5 things you need to know about sexual consent

Sexual consent is when you and your sexual partner both agree to have sex. It's really important to be clear on this before things get too hot and heavy.

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Surviving sexual abuse

Read the story of a survivor; how one young person refused to let their history of sexual abuse determine their future.

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Waking from the nightmare

She lost her sister. Her parents divorced. She was sexually abused. Read how she took control of her own nightmare.

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Everything you need to know about sexual assault

Click here to learn about sexual assault, how trauma can affect your life, and how you can get support during tough times.

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What is sexual harassment?

‘Sexual harassment’ is any form of unwelcome sexual behaviour that’s offensive, humiliating or intimidating.

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What is child abuse?

The effects of abuse on a child are serious and long-lasting. No matter when the abuse has occurred, you can get help and support.

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What to do if you want to take action against someone who sexually assaulted you

If you have been sexually assaulted or abused, and want to take action against your perpetrator or seek justice for what happened, here are some options to consider.

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Signs of an abusive relationship

It’s not always obvious that you’re in an abusive relationship. Learn some of the key signs to look for.

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If you're a male survivor of sexual assault, here are some things you should know

Can men be raped? Here’s why sexual assault against men is a big problem, and how to get support if this has happened to you.

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Experiencing trauma

Learn more about what a traumatic experience is, what are some common responses to trauma, and get some tips on how to cope.

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Self-help for depression

Are you looking for small but meaningful ways on how to deal with depression? Read our guide on self-help for depression for some easy places to start.

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How to manage anxiety and stress

It’s totally normal to feel stressed or anxious from time to time, but there’s lots of things you can do to feel a bit better. Learn how to deal with anxiety here.

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How to ask a friend if they're okay

When you're worried about someone, sometimes the best thing you can do is listen and let them know you're there for them.

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              Aboriginal flagTorres Strait islander flagRainbow flagAustralian flag

              We acknowledge the traditional owners of Country throughout Australia. We pay our respects to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, and to Elders past and present. We recognise connection to Country as integral to health and wellbeing.

              We acknowledge people with lived experience of mental ill-health and recovery and the experience of people who have been carers, families, or supporters.

              ReachOut values diversity. We are committed to providing a safe, culturally appropriate, and inclusive service for all people, regardless of their ethnicity, faith, disability, sexuality, or gender identity.

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