Podcast series provides information for victim-survivors of sexual violence
If you have experienced sexual violence or assault, we know it can be difficult to know where to turn next. From the process of going to hospital, to reporting the assault to police, and possibly going through the court system – it’s not an easy thing to do. We are here to help you get the support you need and help you on your journey to healing.
The below resources were created to give victim-survivors of sexual assault more information on their options and the journey ahead.
If you need support after sexual assault, you can call:
Sexual Assault Helpline: 1800 010 120 (available 7.30am – 11.30pm, 7 days)
If you are a victim of a violent crime, including sexual assault, you can call:
VictimConnect: 1300 318 940 (available 24/7)
Podcast series for victim-survivors of sexual violence
This podcast series helps you step through some of the choices you may make on your pathway to recovery. This resource was developed by the Office of the Victims’ Commissioner in Queensland with support from various organisations and services, with guest speakers including crisis helpline counsellors, police, hospital workers, judges and lawyers. You can listen to the playlist on YouTube,or find an episode below.
Before listening to this podcast, please be aware that it includes information about confronting topics like rape and domestic violence. This podcast is for adults who have experienced sexual violence in Queensland. It is not suitable to listen to around children.
Episode 1: For adults who have experienced sexual violence
This episode gives an overview of the services available to you. Guest speakers from VictimConnect and Victim Assist describe the work they do, the options you could take after the violence, and other available support.
Episode 2: Presenting at a Queensland hospital
Guest speakers from Queensland Health explain what happens at hospital, what an examination involves and how evidence may be collected. This episode also discusses your right to make different choices in the process, including whether or not you want to report the violence to police.
Episode 3: Reporting sexual violence to Police
Episode three covers the types of reporting you could choose, including if you want to report to the police online, over the phone, or in-person. The Senior Detective also explains what will happen when you report to police, including whether or not it is investigated (because you will have the option to report it but remain anonymous, through something called Alternative Reporting Options).
Episode 4: Going to court in Queensland
This episode explains the court process in Queensland with expert speakers from different areas of the court system, including a judge and a prosecutor. This episode includes information about different courts in Queensland, what happens if your case goes to trial and what happens in court. This will help you understand if you’re required to appear in court, how the verdict will be communicated to you, the sentencing procedure and writing a victim impact statement.
Episode 5: If the offender is sentenced in Queensland
The final episode in the series talks about your rights after the offender is sentenced. This includes information about the Victims Register – what it is, who can apply and what information you will get. The Victims Register generally allows victim-survivors the option to get information on the offender, including potential updates in their case and release dates.
Victim’s Pathway online resource
Victim’s Pathway is another resource for adults in Queensland who have experienced sexual violence. Through the interactive journey, you can select which step of the pathway you want to learn more about.
At key points, you can customise the journey to find the right information for you. For example, you can follow a different pathway if your case is going to be a trial in the Magistrates Court, a sentence in the Magistrates Court, or dealt with in the District Court or Supreme Court.
This resource will provide information, definitions, and answers to frequently asked questions. It also includes information on Victims’ rights, different support available to you, financial assistance, and domestic and family violence.
Our hope is that these online resources will provide you with more information to empower you in your journey. Remember – you are in control of your journey, and you have choices at every step. We will support you, no matter what pathway you choose.
If you need support after sexual assault, you can call:
Sexual Assault Helpline: 1800 010 120 (available 7.30am – 11.30pm, 7 days)
If you are a victim of a violent crime, including sexual assault, you can call:
VictimConnect: 1300 318 940 (available 24/7)