NSW Sexual Violence Helpline | Full Stop Australia

NSW Sexual Violence Helpline

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A free confidential Helpline for anyone impacted by sexual violence in NSW

The NSW Sexual Violence Helpline offers 24/7 trauma-specialist counselling and practical support.

Important things to know

We know that sexual violence can impact lots of different parts of your life.

Sexual violence can be hard to talk about, even with those closest to you. You might be feeling confused, scared, or angry. Our counsellors can talk to you about what has happened or what is happening right now. Even if you are unsure about what to say, they can support you to work out what might be helpful, including what might the next steps be. You do not have to give graphic details of the violence to get support.

Sexual violence can have profound effects on your physical health, mental wellbeing, and sense of safety. You may experience physical injuries, sleep disturbances, anxiety, depression, or changes in your relationships with others. These impacts are common responses to trauma.

Our counsellors can help you develop strategies for managing impacts and to support your recovery.

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Sexual violence is any sexual activity that happens where consent is not freely given or obtained, is withdrawn or the person is unable to consent due to their age or other factors. Sexual violence occurs any time a person is forced, coerced or manipulated into any sexual activity.

Such activity can be sexualised touching, sexual abuse, sexual assault, rape, sexual harassment and intimidation, and forced or coerced watching or engaging in pornography.

Sexual violence can be non-physical and include unwanted sexualised comments, intrusive sexualised questions or harassment of a sexual nature. Forms of modern slavery, such as forced marriage, servitude or trafficking in persons may involve sexual violence.

What is Consent?

Consent can be broadly defined as a person freely and voluntarily agreeing to participate in an interaction. Consent must be ‘informed’, this refers to the need for a person to understand what they are consenting to, with nothing preventing them from providing their consent or changing their mind.

  • Feeling uncomfortable about how someone touches you
  • Someone doing things to your body without asking, or when you don’t want them to
  • Feeling scared or unsafe around someone
  • Being pressured to keep secrets about sex or relationships
  • Being told sexual attention is part of your care or your role as a partner
  • Having your privacy or boundaries ignored
  • Memories or feelings from past abuse coming back

Remember: If something doesn’t feel right, or if past experiences are troubling you, trust your feelings. We’re here to listen and help.

Everyone's experience and recovery journey are different.

  • You don't have to be physically hurt for it to be sexual violence
  • The person who harmed you might be someone you know, trust, or rely on
  • Sexual violence can happen in any type of relationship, family, or care setting
  • Many people don't tell anyone for years - that's okay
  • There is no time limit on getting support
  • No matter your age, gender, background, or when it happened - you are not responsible for what occurred

We believe you, and we're here to support you. You are not alone.

What happens when I call?

A trauma-specialist counsellor will answer your call.

If we can’t answer immediately and you can’t wait, leave a voicemail if safe to do so. A counsellor will call you back from a private number. They won’t identify themselves or our service to anyone else until we confirm we’re speaking with you.

Your safety and wellbeing come first. The counsellor will listen to you about what has happened, what you need, and offer appropriate support. They can give you information about reporting options and your rights, but you decide what’s right for you. The counsellor will explain confidentiality limits, which are detailed in our privacy policy.

Our counsellors are experienced professionals who reflect and understand the diversity of the community. They work together as a team. You may speak with different counsellor each time you call.

The counsellor will create a confidential record after each call, so you won’t need to repeat your story. This also helps our team share important information about your needs and goals. This is also a legal requirement, and you may be able to access your record for legal support if you provide your details.

The counsellor will ask you questions about who you are – your gender, sexuality and cultural background, this helps us provide tailored support, but you don’t have to answer these questions.

Our counsellors use trauma-informed approaches. They will follow your lead on topics that you want to discuss and pace.

The counsellor may talk to you about:

  • how the sexual violence has impacted you
  • your circumstances and needs
  • your wellbeing and help you plan for safety
  • strategies to support you
  • other support services that might be helpful

Our counsellor will listen without judging. You will be believed.

The Helpline is a safe space for you to talk. Here’s what you should know:

  • You choose what information you want to share
  • You can contact us anonymously, if you need. You don’t have to give your name. However, if you access the service anonymously, access to the record of your contact maybe limited
  • Our services are confidential – we keep your information private except when safety is at immediate risk. If we need to share information with others who can help, we’ll discuss this with you first, when possible. In this situation we would only share what’s necessary for safety
  • We will ask you questions about who you are – your gender, sexuality and cultural background, this helps us provide tailored support, but you don’t have to answer these questions
  • We don’t record, transcribe or trace calls

Anyone can call the NSW Sexual Violence Helpline

The Helpline provides free support for anyone impacted by sexual violence. This includes victim-survivors, supporters, and professionals, regardless of circumstances.

Our counsellors can provide:

  • Free, confidential trauma specialist counselling support 24 hours a day 7 days a week
  • Assistance with immediate counselling and safety planning from crisis through recovery
  • Support at your pace, on your terms
  • Support while you’re waiting for other services
  • Referrals to medical, legal, and counselling services, to help you develop a stronger support network

If you’re considering legal action, we can provide:

  • Introductory information on your rights and options
  • Information about police reporting
  • Referral to legal services
  • Counselling support through whatever choice you make

*please note counsellors are unable to provide legal advice

The decision is always yours. We’re here to provide information and counselling support for you, whatever you choose.

The Helpline is available for family, friends, carers and community members. Here’s how we can help you:

  • Talk through how to respond sensitively when someone tells you about sexual violence
  • Get practical advice on how to help while respecting boundaries
  • Access counselling to help process your own feelings so that you can provide better support
  • Referrals to services to help build a stronger support network

The Helpline supports frontline workers with expert advice on responding to sexual violence and providing quality care. We also offer trauma-specialist counselling to help workers manage the impacts of trauma.

Our counsellors can provide:

  • Debriefing
  • Counselling support around the impacts of vicarious trauma and other trauma related stresses
  • Consultation on deidentified complex client situations involving sexual violence
  • Referrals to specialist services

For clients we offer waitlist support, coverage during staff leave, or coordinated support between sessions.

We support anyone of any age

Every age, every story: Support is here.

Your Experience Matters: We Believe You

Sexual violence affects people of all ages. Whether you're young, an adult, or older, our services are here for you. We understand that each age group faces unique challenges, and we're committed to providing age-appropriate support.

People under the age of 18

If you’ve experienced unwanted sexual touching, pressure, harassment, or assault, we’re here to listen and support you. Many young people contact us when someone has violated their sexual boundaries or when they’re trying to make sense of an uncomfortable sexual experience. You might be worried about getting help because: The person who harmed you is someone you see regularlyIt was another young personThere was alcohol or drugs involvedYou’re worried about your parents finding out what happenedYou’re unsure if what happened counts as “sexual violence” or if it’s “serious enough”You don’t know what will happen if you tell someone When you contact our Helpline, you’ll speak with counsellors who understand these concerns. We work specifically with young people who have experienced all forms of sexual violence. You control what information you share and what support you want within the scope of the service. Whether you have questions about consent, need information about your options after sexual violence, or simply want someone to talk to about what happened, we’re here for you. Your healing matters, and sexual violence support is available whenever you’re ready. Please note that all counsellors are mandatory reporters and they will have a transparent conversation about the limits of confidentiality in the call.
Learn more

Older people

If you’ve experienced sexual violence as an older person, we believe you. Your experience is valid, regardless of your age. Sexual violence can occur in various settings: homes, care facilities, or communities. The person who harmed you might be a family member, caregiver, partner, acquaintance, or another resident. Many older people aren’t believed when they disclose sexual assault. Their experiences are often dismissed as confusion or result of medical problems. Our counsellors understand the unique challenges older victim-survivors face. We’re here to listen at your pace and provide support that respects your specific needs and dignity.
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Survivors of child abuse

Despite how many Australians have experienced childhood sexual assault, talking about it can be hard. Most perpetrators are known to the child and their family, exploiting positions of trust while using tactics that shift blame to the child or non-offending family members. No matter what feelings arose during the abuse, children cannot consent to sexual contact. Any confusion, shame, or mixed emotions are common responses to manipulation—never signs of responsibility. The impacts of childhood sexual trauma can affect relationships, physical health, emotional wellbeing, and daily functioning. These are common responses to harm, not personal failings. It is never too late to get support. Our counsellors have experience working with adult survivors. They can help you understand the impacts of childhood sexual assault, develop coping strategies for managing difficult emotions, and support you in creating a healing path that works for your unique situation. They can also connect you with additional services and resources when you’re ready.
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We support First Nations people

You deserve to feel safe and respected, no matter who has caused you harm.

We all have the human right to be safe from sexual violence.   

No matter who has caused you harm or what their standing is in your family or community. Sexual violence is never okay. We are committed to addressing the impacts of sexual violence through trauma-informed support that centres the values of community, family, and self in everything we do.

  • What happened was not your fault
  • There is no shame in sharing your story
  • We will support you whether you choose to report to services like the police or not
  • We will support you whether you decide to stay in a relationship or leave it
  • We prioritise your safety and wellbeing above all else

When you call:

  • You don't have to give your name or where you live
  • You can share as much or as little as you want about what happened to you 
  • Hang up at any time , and no one has to know you called
  • Your story is confidential  
  • You decide what help you need 

Getting support: 

  • Free, confidential trauma specialist counselling 24/7
  • Someone to listen when you need to talk
  • Support for you, your family and community
  • Information about medical, housing, legal and other services
  • Help to plan for safety and recovery 
  • Counselling support while you're waiting for other services 

For more information about the NSW Sexual Violence Helpline, download a how-to guide

Full Stop Australia are here to support you - whether you are telling someone for the first time, going through a crisis, or working on healing and recovery. We identify the interrelated layers of trauma experienced by Aboriginal and or Torres Strait Islander people.  

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We support people with disabilities

Our counsellors know how to help people with a disability. You will be taken seriously.

We know sexual violence impacts many people with disability.

If you've been sexually harmed, assaulted, or abused, we're here to listen and help - no matter your disability, living situation, or support needs. We're here for you: 

  • We know that you might depend on others for help in daily life
  • The person who hurt you might be someone who helps you 
  • You might feel scared about losing your support 
  • You might worry that people won't believe you 
  • You might find it hard to use regular support services 

When you call, we will:

  • Give you time to explain things 
  • Listen without judging 
  • Believe what you tell us 
  • Help you feel safer 
  • Connect you with services that understand disability 

Getting support: 

  • You can talk to us in different ways (phone or webchat)
  • You can speak to us about sexual violence and what has happened to you
  • You can have someone you trust help you contact us
  • We'll go at your pace
  • We can explain things clearly
  • We can talk to your carers or support workers if you want us to

For more information about the NSW Sexual Violence Helpline, download a how-to guide

Full Stop Australia is here to support you - whether you are telling someone for the first time, going through a crisis, or working on healing and recovery.

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We support LGBTQ+ people

No matter your gender, sexuality, background, or when the violence happened.

The NSW Sexual Violence Helpline supports LGBTQ+ people.

No matter your age, gender, sexuality, background, or when the violence happened - we believe you. You are not alone. Help is available. You don't need to hide your sexuality, gender or relationships to receive support. We respect your choice of name, pronouns, and how you prefer to talk about your body and experiences.

  • We will respect your sexuality, gender and relationships
  • We will believe and support you
  • We will not judge or discriminate
  • We will respect your privacy 

Getting support: 

  • Free, confidential trauma specialist counselling support 24/7
  • Help for you, your loved ones, including your chosen family
  • Assistance with immediate needs and safety planning
  • Help connecting with LGBTQ+ inclusive services and support networks that fit your needs
  • Guidance and personalised support plans at your pace, on your terms
  • Help while you’re waiting for other services
  • Support whether or not you want to report

When you call:

  • We will listen and support you
  • We will support you whether you choose to report to services like the police or not
  • We will support you whether you decide to stay in a relationship or leave it
  • We will prioritise your safety and wellbeing above all else
  • You choose what to share about yourself
  • You decide what support you want

For more information about the NSW Sexual Violence Helpline, download a how-to guide

Full Stop Australia is here to support you - whether you are sharing your story for the first time, going through a crisis, or working on healing and recovery.

Hands holdingdownloadable LGBTQ

We support migrants & refugees

You have right to be safe and respected, no matter your visa status, cultural background or language.

We all have the right to be free of sexual violence.

The NSW Sexual Violence Helpline supports migrants and refugees. Everyone has fundamental human rights. Including the right to safety, dignity, and respect, regardless of visa status or cultural background.

  • We are here to listen and support you
  • We believe you
  • Sexual violence is never okay
  • You deserve to feel safe and respected

When you call, we will:

  • Respect you and your culture
  • Not judge or discriminate
  • Support you whether you choose to report to services like the police or not
  • Support you whether you decide to stay in a relationship or leave it
  • Prioritise your safety and wellbeing above all else

Getting support: 

  • Free, confidential trauma specialist counselling 24/7
  • Someone to listen when you need to talk
  • Support for you, your family and community
  • Help to plan for safety and recovery
  • Counselling support while you're waiting for other services

For more information about the NSW Sexual Violence Helpline, download a how-to guide

You can download this information in the format that suits you best or listen to an audio recording

Hands holdingdownloadable Migrants 1

This how-to guide is now available to download in 5 new languages.

See the links below to download Arabic, Hindi, Vietnamese, Simplified Chinese and Traditional Chinese versions of information about the NSW Sexual Violence Helpline.