SASS’s trauma-informed counselling and support services are available to survivors of sexual violence, family members, carers and friends of survivors, and professionals in Southern Tasmania. We also offer a Redress Scheme Support Service across Tasmania for people who were sexually abused as children in institutions.
SASS counsellors understand that it may be challenging for you to make this step towards recovery. We work in a client-focused and trauma informed way meaning you get to make the decisions about the support you need.
We offer choices along your journey to recovery, including a male or female counsellor, appointment days/times and frequency. Some people only need one or two sessions and others may need many.
We can help you to:
- explore options;
- talk about your experiences;
- build on your existing coping strategies;
- manage anxiety and trauma-related symptoms (e.g. flashbacks, poor sleep); and
- develop a safety plan (if needed).
We can also help you to access other services and supports, based on your needs and goals. Our counselling and support services are provided free of charge, and a Mental Health Care Plan is not required.
To refer yourself or someone else to SASS for counselling, please contact us on (03) 6231 0044. Other service providers may complete the SASS Referral Form and email it to @email
Sexual assault is unfortunately more common than most people think. You are not alone. There is support available.
You can contact SASS on 6231 0044 or our 24/7 crisis line 1800 697 877 to talk things through.
The Blue Knot Foundation website has a wealth of information for adult survivors of childhood trauma.
If you want to read more about mental health issues, please visit the Beyond Blue website.
- Approximately 21,000 people are sexually assaulted in Australia each year
- 83% are female and 17% are male
- 50% of people with a disability experience sexual abuse
- 60% of sexual assault victims are aged 19 years and under
- 1 in 5 Australian women have experienced sexual violence
- 1 in 22 Australian men have experienced sexual violence
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island women experience higher rates of sexual abuse than non-Indigenous women
- LGBTQI people experience particular barriers to disclosing and reporting sexual assault, and there is little data or information on sexual assault and the LGBTQI population. Working it Out is a Hobart based organisation who provide specialist support to LGBTQI people.
- Elderly people are also less likely to report abuse, despite growing evidence that sexual abuse of the elderly - particularly in institutions - is far more frequent than previously thought
- Culturally and linguistically diverse women may experience particular risk factors that make them more vulnerable to experiencing sexual assault
Some effects of sexual abuse
Trauma responses vary from person to person. Some effects of sexual abuse include emotional shock, disbelief and/or denial, embarrassment, shame, guilt, depression, powerlessness, disorientation, flashbacks, fear, anxiety and anger. Support such as counselling can help you work through these issues and recover your wellbeing.
Some people experience suicidal thoughts due to sexual trauma. If you need support, call Lifeline.
Information about Male Sexual Assault
The first step is picking up the phone or walking into our service and making a self-referral. Contact SASS, 24/7.
Men can experience particular challenges after a sexual assault. Sexual assault for a man is often an overwhelming and frightening experience and can lead to a variety of problems and conflicting feelings
- When a man discloses that he has been sexually abused, he can feel punished further by his ‘manhood’ and/or sexual orientation being called into question
Other online resources specific to male sexual abuse include: MARS, Living Well and 1in6.
- Men often do not see themselves as victims, refuse help and believe that showing emotion is a sign of weakness
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Counselling can help you to work through these issues