Sexual Assault Services Victoria

However, every day that this injustice remains, survivors continue to be harmed. Another six months is too long. We urge the government to act quickly.

We welcome the Victorian Government’s commitment to reform vicarious liability laws so they apply to abuse by people engaged outside of employment contracts. This is a critical step toward justice for victim survivors harmed in institutional settings. #VicariousLiability

We also want to acknowledge the vital role of Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisation in supporting Aboriginal survivors of sexual violence in Victoria, including the important work of Yoowinna Wurnalung Aboriginal Healing Service, VAHS, VACCA and Ballarat & District Aboriginal Cooperative.

Today is a both a day of reflection and a call to action. First Nation's leaders have called for transformative systems change that will empower communities and grassroots efforts.

#unfinishedbusiness #bringingthemhome

We recognise the enduring strength of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities and all that has been done to heal.

Today, on National Sorry Day, we acknowledge the profound suffering, including sexual abuse, experienced by children who were forcibly removed from their families, Country and culture.

#NationalSorryDay

This week, we spoke to the Herald Sun about the extraordinary instability of funding to specialist sexual assault services. We said, "Surely we should be increasing the support available to sexual assault survivors": www.heraldsun.com.au/leader/sexua...

Next week, we hope to see more investment from the Victorian Government into responses to child sexual abuse in schools. This would be an important step toward building communities that refuse to let any child slip through the cracks: t.co/mrIji8JK6A

Child sexual exploitation happens far too often. Everyone has a role to play in keeping children safe in our communities, and we need to see responses from governments commensurate to the profound harm caused to children: t.co/1WxEpIufx0

Today, we've released our top five priorities for the upcoming Victorian state budget. Number one: Prevent millions of dollars - a quarter of the sector's funding - from ending on 30 June.
Read more about how the budget can help survivors of sexual violence: zurl.co/JDy7w

As we approach the Victorian state budget on 20 May, we're calling for substantial investment in frontline specialist sexual assault services, including in an emergency response to child sexual abuse and harm in schools. Learn more about the campaign: sasvic.org.au/news/respect

In the lead up to the Victorian State Budget, we're calling for greater investment in survivors' recovery, including in more therapeutic and peer support groups delivered by the specialist sexual assault sector that are changing lives. Learn more: sasvic.org.au/news/campaign-recovery

Sexual Assault Awareness Month begins today. We're calling on the Victorian Government to uphold victim survivors' rights to safety and justice. Learn more about our asks, including specialist sexual violence training for legal professionals and police: sasvic.org.au/news/rights

Our exciting online event, Preventing sexual violence - what works? is this Friday! Learn more and get your ticket today: zurl.co/1FCl2

@kathleenmaltzahn.bsky.social
@mike-salter.bsky.social
@veragraf.bsky.social

Preventing sexual violence - what works? In conversation with Emily Maguire, Michael Salter and Kathleen Maltzahn, facilitated by Fiona Vera-Gray Get tickets on Humanitix - Preventing sexual violence - what works? In conversation with Emily Maguire, Michael Salter and Kathleen Maltzahn, facilitated by Fiona Vera-Gray hosted by Sexual Assault Se...

Join Emily Maguire, Professor Michael Salter and Kathleen Maltzahn on Friday 28 March as they explore approaches to sexual violence prevention. Facilitated by Professor Fiona Vera-Gray, this event will explore what works, where the gaps are & how to respond to the challenges of today: zurl.co/1FCl2

Civil Justice Project Lead - Job in Melbourne - Sexual Assault Services Victoria Civil Justice and Recovery Project Lead, creating a referral pathways between plaintiff lawyers and financial counsellors.

SASVic has two exciting job opportunities available! Civil Justice Project Lead: zurl.co/E4MgT and Justice Navigators Project Lead: zurl.co/rsfFM
Applications close on 16 February.

Sexual Violence: The Right to Recovery SASVic welcomes people working with survivors of sexual violence anywhere in our society to learn about how we can collectivise recovery in Victoria.

Sexual Violence: The Right to Recovery is fast approaching! Join us on 19 February for an exploration of recovery after sexual violence, including what survivors value beyond one-on-one counselling and how justice and advocacy can play an important part: events.humanitix.com/right-to-rec...

"He said the topic was still “taboo” for gay males abused as kids, with many survivors “unrepresented” in data and unsure of where to get help."

Read more about how 'Not Alone' became a reality because of the incredible advocacy of Chris and Macca:
www.heraldsun.com.au/leader/radio...

Saturday 11th January, 2025, Not Alone: Gay Men’s Trauma Information Group: Sexual Assault Services Victoria; Kathleen Maltzahn - CEO Not Alone: Gay Men’s Trauma Information Group: Sexual Assault Services Victoria; Kathleen Maltzahn - CEO

On the weekend, we spoke to Macca and Nevena on Sat Mag about our new trauma information group for gay male survivors of sexual assault in childhood, starting on 20 February.

Listen now! joy.org.au/saturdaymaga...

@joy949.bsky.social

Not Alone is a new 8-week online group for gay men in Victoria who have experienced sexual abuse in childhood.

This week, we spoke to The Wire about the group. Listen to learn more about Not Alone and the advocacy that made it possible:
www.thewire.org.au/story/new-pr...

#csa #sexualviolence

Getting support over the holidays The Sexual Assault Crisis Line in Victoria will be open 24 hours on weekends and public holidays, including Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year's Day, and from 5pm - 9am on business days. PH: 1800 806 292. During business hours, you can contact your local specialist sexual assault service. To find a service, you can search your suburb and postcode on our service map at peak.sasvic.org.au/servicemap

The Sexual Assault Crisis Line will be open on weekends and public holidays, including Christmas, Boxing Day and New Year's Day, & after 5pm on business days. During business hours, you can contact your local service by using our helpful service map: zurl.co/LpblJ

3/ We are, therefore, concerned about the government's recent anti-protest laws and fear they go too far. Victoria has a proud history of peaceful protest. It's how we stand up for one another and the issues we care deeply about. #springst

2/ 'LOUD fence' protests, where survivors of institutional child sexual abuse tie ribbons to fences outside of churches, as well as the Walk Against Family Violence which leading members of the Victorian Government regularly attend, have been important tools to create change.

1/ Protest has been a core way survivors of sexual assault and those in solidarity with them have won recognition of the harm of sexual violence and survivors' right to justice and redress.

4/ It showed the transformational change a legal process can create, and that, while not fast enough, our cultures and systems are changing. Gisèle and her children have taken a potentially annihilating ordeal and, strengthened by solidarity, are forcing shame to change sides.

3/ The trial surfaced what is so often hidden: how many seemingly normal men are prepared to rape, how even in a case as extreme as this some will still try to blame the victim, and what courage and integrity victims of SV routinely show in trying to get justice.

2/ When she left the court, Gisèle Pelicot said 'she did not regret her decision to let the case be heard in public, and was now thinking of the "unrecognised victims whose stories often remained in the shadows."': www.sbs.com.au/news/article...

1/ Last night Australian time, the verdict was handed down in the trial of Dominique Pelicot. Today, we reflect on the case and Gisèle's strength, "I've decided not to be ashamed, I've done nothing wrong... They are the ones who must be ashamed".

Sexual Violence: The Right to Recovery SASVic welcomes people working with survivors of sexual violence anywhere in our society to learn about how we can collectivise recovery in Victoria.

On 19 February, SASVic is holding a brand new event exploring effective recovery after sexual violence and what survivors value beyond one-to-one therapy.

🐦Early bird tickets are available now! Visit Humanitix now: events.humanitix.com/right-to-rec...

#sexualviolence #csa #righttorecovery