Sexual Assault Support Service set to deliver expanded services at new premises

The Sexual Assault Support Service (SASS) has officially opened its new offices at Highfield House in Hobart’s CBD today (15 February) to accommodate growing demand for service.  

Acting CEOSandi Doherty said the move was a big step towards meeting the organisation’s goal of eliminating sexual harm in the state.

“SASS has seen a 30 per cent increase in service delivery over the past six months and continues to see exponential growth,” she said.

“Further, we know that at least one in four children in Tasmania experience some form of sexual assault.”

Ms Doherty said SASS could now offer seven unique counselling spaces for survivors of sexual harm, including a dedicated art therapy room and child friendly spaces.  

“Highfield House is easily accessible from all suburbs. SASS can now offer in house training, client wellbeing and community events,” she said.  

“Since moving our operations to the new premises, we’ve been able to allocate 40 new clients to our therapeutic specialists.”

SASS has provided free counselling and therapy to all Tasmanians affected by sexual harm for more than 35 years.  

The new premises at 114 Bathurst Street will allow SASS to meet the needs of everyone currently seeking support and expand in key areas.

Ms Doherty said being in a larger, more central location meant more Tasmanians would see that SASS was here to help and be better able to access support.

Interviews:

SandiDoherty

Acting CEO,Sexual Assault Support Service

E: sandi.doherty@sass.org.au

Further information:

AdieDelaney

CommunicationsLead

E: adie.delaney@sass.org.au

P: 0481480077

‍