Sexual abuse is any sexual activity that happens without clear, voluntary consent.
In Australia, consent must be freely given — if someone is asleep, unconscious, heavily intoxicated, pressured, afraid, or affected by drugs or alcohol, they cannot legally consent.
Sexual abuse can be committed by strangers, partners, friends, or people you trust, and it can happen both online and offline.
If something doesn’t feel right, it matters — and support is available.
See Abuse, Sexual Assault, Dating/friendship apps- be careful
Factsheet - Domestic Abuse Facts
Factsheet - Understanding Domestic Abuse
GENERAL INFO
RAINN: Help & Healing for Sexual Violence Survivors
1800RESPECT: Support & Resources for Family, Domestic & Sexual Violence
SASS – Sexual Assault Support & Facts (Australia)
Australian Institute of Health and Welfare: Find Support for Sexual Violence
Australian Government: Sexual Violence Information & 1800RESPECT
NCTSN: Sexual Abuse
BraveHearts: What is child sexual abuse
NSW Government: What is sexual assault
ESafety Commissioner: Child sexual abuse online
Queensland Government: Indicators of child sexual abuse and barriers to disclosure
SELF-HELP
Talk to your GP/doctor or contact Your Crew to
help you get to your doctor.
If you feel at immediate risk call 000
Helplines by State:
- ACT — Canberra Rape Crisis Centre +61 2 6247 2525
- New South Wales — NSW Rape Crisis Centre 1800 424 017 or NSW Health Sexual Assault Services (visit web page to find the number in your local area)
- Northern Territory — Department of Health, Sexual Assault Referral Centres
- Queensland — Sexual Assault Helpline 1800 010 120
- South Australia — Yarrow Place Rape and Sexual Assault Service +61 8 8226 8777 or 1800 817 421 freecall
- Tasmania — Sexual Assault Support Service 1800 697 877
- Victoria — Sexual Assault Crisis Line 1800 806 292
- Western Australia — Sexual Assault Resource Centre +61 8 6458 1828 or free call 1800 199 888
Source: https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/sexual-assault-and-abuse-helplines
Youth Law:
Check laws in your state, there may be different laws in different states or territories.
NSW:
Sex and dating
Victoria:
Legal aid: Age of consent
South Australia:
Legal services: Sex and consent
Western Australia:
Healthy WA: Safe sex
Queensland:
Legal aid Qld: Safe sex
ACT:
GoToCourt: Can young people consent to sex
Tasmania:
Legal Aid: fact sheet consent to sex
Northern Territory:
Go to court: The age of consent
Brave Hearts: Sexual abuse help
FORUMS, TOOLS & VIDEOS
Alcohol and consent: Youtube
Youtube: A kiss is not a contract
Crewing for or Helping Others
Sometimes, it can be hard to know what to do to support someone. You may feel stressed or scared you'll say the wrong thing.
Remember your main role as Crew or a supportive friend or family is to listen, acknowledge and communicate support. That can mean calling a professional service such as Kids Helpline or, in an emergency, calling 000 They can also guide you on what to do.
See How to Ask If Your Friend Is OK video
If you are under 18 years old, you can also reach out to an adult or your Crew to help you support someone.
See Professional and Urgent Help for a list of services with live phone numbers and links
See Pathways to Help
800RESPECT: Supporting Someone Experiencing Sexual Violence
Kids Helpline (Australia): Support for Children & Young People
Living Well: Survivors & Mates Support Network (Support for Men & Allies)
Australian Human Rights Commission: Reporting & Support Links
National Sexual Assault Hotline & Info: RAINN
