Bass Coast Health urges community to seek support for sexual assault
A drop in referrals for sexual assualt counselling during the COVID-19 pandemic may not reflect the experience and need in our community according to sub regional health service Bass Coast Health.
“We know that sexual assault often goes unreported and it can feel difficult to seek help. We encourage anyone to refer to our sexual assault counselling services; a GP referral is not needed, community referrals are welcome,” advises Kylie Pollard, Manager at Bass Coast Health.
Bass Coast Health provides free and confidential sexual assault counselling for women and men within the Bass Coast Shire and South Gippsland Shires .
Our sexual assault counsellors provide counselling, advocacy, information and support to adults, young people and children, who are survivors of recent or historical sexual assault. Non offending family members, partners and friends who have been impacted by sexual assault are also welcome to access the service.
Sexual assault is any sexual behaviour that makes you feel uncomfortable, frightened or threatened. It is any sexual activity that you have not consented to, whether another person uses physical or emotional force against you. It happens more frequently than many people realise and can include sexual harassment and rape. Sexual assault is a crime and can occur at any time throughout the lifespan (SACL.com.au, 2020).
To make a referral please contact our Access team
Phone: 03 5671 3175
Email: access@basscoasthealth.org.au
Other Support Services:
Sexual Assault Crisis Line 1800 806 292
1800 RESPECT National Sexual Assault Domestic Family Violence Counselling Service 1800
737 732
The Orange Door Gippsland 1800 319 354
Safe Steps 1800 015 188
Gippsland Centre Against Sexual Assault- After Hours Crisis Support 1800 802 296
Pictured: Cara Hammond, Sexual Assault Counsellor and Team Leader for Family Violence and Counselling Services