Crisis Services

 

SASS provides a 24 hour telephone crisis  line. This line often an important point of contact for recent rape victims, suicidal clients, parents of children who have disclosed abuse and partners of survivors.

Recent Assaults

When someone is recently assaulted, a SASS worker can act as an advocate, support person and information provider for them. That worker can also provide information about the process of reporting, SASS' role the victim's rights options available and the implications of these options. They can also co-ordinate the implementation of these choices.

Options available are:

• Face-to-face support to talk through options in more detail

• Immediate medical attention/information without examination (e.g. for emergency contraception)

• Medical examination (often for reassurance)

• Forensic examination when unsure about reporting the assault

• Forensic examination and reporting to the police

• Making a Police Statement

• Ongoing support from SASS

• Any combination of the above

• To do nothing

Rights

• To be provided with information, support and advocacy to maximise choices when making decisions about legal, medical and support services

• To be treated in a sympathetic and constructive  manner with due regard to personal health, rights, dignity and safety

• To be accompanied by a support person of the victims choice

• Confidentiality and privacy

• For the victim to be able to make their own choices about having or refusing any form of care or treatment

• To give informed consent for any procedure

• To withdraw consent for any procedure at any time without duress, even after giving informed consent

 

'I Think I've Been Sexually Assaulted... What Can I Do Now?'