The way family members, friends, partners, parents and caregivers respond can have a significant impact on a person's sense of safety, choice and recovery. Support that is calm, respectful and guided by the needs of the person who has been harmed can make a meaningful difference.

This section provides information tailored to different support roles. Whether you are supporting a child or young person, or an adult, you can find guidance that is relevant to your situation.

Supporting someone can also affect you. SACL recognises that many people who offer support may have their own experiences of sexual harm, and that support can feel empowering, challenging, or triggering at times. Support is available for you too.

The Royal Women’s Hospital acknowledges and pays respect to the Wurundjeri (Wer-run-djeri) people of the Kulin Nation, the Traditional Custodians of the Country on which our site stands and we pay our respects to their Elders past and present. The Women’s is committed to improving health equity for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women, children and families and we recognise the fundamental significance of cultural traditions, beliefs, and connection to Country for the health and wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. We acknowledge the importance of kinship and family structures as a cohesive Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and we recognise their cultures, community connection, and self-determination as critical protective factors for wellbeing.