Sexual Violence Awareness Month is held each year in October to encourage Queenslanders to show their support for ending violence of this nature and inform those affected about the help available.
Sexual violence can take many forms including the use of coercion to engage, or attempt to engage, another person in a sexual act; unwanted sexual comments or advances. Apart from physical force, coercion may involve psychological intimidation, blackmail or other threats, or circumstances when the person is unable to give consent.
Sexual violence is a term that includes rape, incest, sexual assault, sexual abuse, unwanted touching and any sexual activity where consent is not gained.
Sexual violence in any form is not to be tolerated. Although reports to police have shown some increase, a significant proportion of those affected do not report incidents of sexual violence and therefore do not access the support available.
No form of sexual violence in our community is acceptable. While men can also be victims, the majority of people who experience this kind of violence are women.
One in three Australian women have experienced physical violence since the age of 15 and almost one in five have experienced sexual violence, according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics (Personal Safety Survey, 2005).
The State Government works in partnership with community based sexual assault services to deliver information and support to people across Queensland who have experienced sexual violence.
Sexual Violence Awareness Week, an initiative of the Gold Coast Sexual Assault Support Service began in 1996 and became Sexual Violence Awareness Month in 1998. Taking place in October each year, events are coordinated by sexual assault services in various regions during the month.
Here's what is happening around Queensland for the month:
For more information about Sexual Violence Awareness Month events visit www.stopsexualviolence.com or contact your local sexual assault service or women's health centre.
To get help
For help in dealing with sexual violence call the Statewide Sexual Assault Helpline on 1800 010 120 for free confidential advice.
Queensland Police (000 for emergencies, 131 444 for non-emergency contact).
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