A banner image for the NSW sexual violence helpline. The image is an Illustration of five people.

A banner image for the NSW sexual violence helpline. The image is an Illustration of four people.

A banner image for the NSW sexual violence helpline. The image is an Illustration of four women.

1800 424 017 The NSW Sexual Violence Helpline

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.

Who can call the Helpline?

Anyone impacted by sexual violence:

Anyone impacted by sexual violence can contact the Helpline.

Click here to learn more

Supporters and loved ones:

Supporters, loved ones, carers and professionals can contact the Helpline

Click here to learn more

First Nations people:

We support Aboriginal and or Torres Strait Islander people

Click here to learn more

LGBTQ+ people:

We support Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer/Questioning people and all those with diverse sexualities and genders.

Click here to learn more

Migrants and refugees:

We support migrant and refugee people

Click here to learn more

People with disabilities:

We support people with disabilities

Click here to learn more

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.

Sexual violence is any sexual activity that happens where consent is not freely given or obtained, is withdrawn or the person is unable to consent due to their age or other factors.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 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 following 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
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

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 year
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 to 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 regularly
It was another young person
There was alcohol or drugs involved
You’re worried about your parents finding out what happened
You’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.

An illustration in the section of survivors of child abuse

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.

An illustration in the section of older people

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.

We support First Nations people

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

We support First Nations Women. illustration of a group of women

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.  

How-to guide for First Nations People (Plain English)

Download

You can also listen to the how-to guide

00:00

first Nations women, step by step information download

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.

How-to guide for Women with Disabilities (Easy-read)

Download

How-to guide for Women with Disabilities (Plain English)

Download

You can also Listen to the how-to guide

00:00

Women with Disabilities: step-by-step information. A downloadable PDF brochure.

We support LGBTQ+ people

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

We support LGBTQI+ folk. Illustration of a group of women.

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