Sexual abuse survivor speaks out
October is Queensland Sexual Violence Awareness Month.
Throughout this month, organisations are hosting events and activities to raise awareness about the impacts of sexual violence and the support available to victims, while promoting what we can do to help end sexual abuse.
Di Mcleod, Director of the Gold Coast Centre Against Sexual Violence, is calling on men to take action to stop sexual violence.
In Queensland, more than 85 per cent of sexual assault victims were women and more than half of victims were under the age of 18 at the time of the assault, according to 2022 data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics.
Sexual violence can have long-lasting impacts on the health and wellbeing of victim-survivors, and trauma can have a ripple effect on their families, supporters and the community.
You can find out more about Sexual Violence Awareness Month events in Queensland at: www.qld.gov.au/svamonth.
Find more information on sexual violence at: www.qld.gov.au/SexualViolence
If you or someone you know has been affected by sexual violence, it’s not your fault. There is support:
- If you are in immediate danger, phone Triple Zero (000) and ask for Police
- Sexual Assault Helpline on 1800 010 120 (Queensland)
- 1800RESPECT (1800 737 732) (Australia-wide)