South Western Centre Against Sexual Assault

Who we are

The 15 Centres Against Sexual Assault (CASA) across Victoria provide services to victim / survivors of sexual assault, their non-offending family members, partners and friends.

The South Western Centre Against Sexual Assault (SW CASA) is funded by the State Government and is a department of South West Healthcare.

The main SW CASA office is based in Warrnambool with outreach services to Corangamite, Glenelg, Moyne and Southern Grampians shires.

What Is Sexual Assault?

Sexual assault is any behaviour of a sexual nature that makes the person feel uncomfortable and afraid, and is usually illegal. Sexual assault can include verbal harassment, unwanted touching or fondling, exposure to pornographic material in either hard-copy or electronic format (computer, mobile phone, etc), attempted rape, rape, incest, suggestive behaviour or forced touching. Sexual assault happens to men as well as women.

In legal terms, in Victoria sexual assault is any sexual contact that is against a person's will or without consent. This includes situations where force, violence or weapons are used as well as situations where the victim is too intoxicated or scared to give consent. Consent depends on a person's ability to understand what the sexual act is, the implications of the sexual behaviour and on the ability to make an informed choice, without force or coercion. A person cannot consent to sexual activity if they are under the influence of alcohol, drugs or medication that impairs thinking and awareness or if they are asleep or unconscious. Children do not have the ability to consent to any sexual act.

We consider

Sexual violence is the responsibility of the perpetrator.
No one has the right to sexually assault another person.
Sexual assault is an act of violence.
Sexual assault is a violation of basic human rights.

How to refer

People wishing to access SW CASA services for themselves or another person can either phone or come into the office during business hours. Discussion with an intake worker will generally cover the details of the person for whom the service is being sought, guardian details if relevant and explore the current concerns or areas of difficulty being experienced.

Referrals by staff of other agencies can be via phone, letter or fax and referrals by professionals need to be made with consent of the person being referred. Services are free and your confidentiality will be maintained in accordance with our confidentiality policy. Recent sexual assaults and recent disclosures of sexual abuse by children are given a priority service response.

Referrals for SWCASA support is available whether the sexual assault is reported to police or not.

Services offered

Counselling and support for people (children, adolescents, men and women) who have been sexually assaulted (recent and past assaults), their families and friends.
Counselling and support for women and children who are or who have been victims of family violence.
Counselling and support for children under 10 years with problem sexual behaviours and for young people 10 - 15 years with sexually abusive behaviours, their parents and / or carers.
24 hour crisis response for assaults that have occurred within the past 14 days.
Group work (periodic).
Information about related legal and medical issues.
School programs - safety and healthy relationships.
Consultation and education for professional groups.
Information to the public about sexual assault.
Advocacy and reports as required.

Facts … not myths

The facts are:

Sexual assault can happen to anyone regardless of age, race, gender, culture, class or disability; however, it mainly happens to women and children.
Sexual assault perpetrators can be male or female.
Most victims / survivors know their attacker prior to an assault.
Most sexual assaults are premeditated and well planned.
Most offenders look and act like ordinary people.
Offenders come from all social classes, income levels, races and age groups.
Sexual potency or sexual preference does not affect a person's ability to rape.
Sexual assault in marriage is common.
Some people are sexually assaulted by others whom they had seen as family protectors; for example, grandfathers, fathers, step-fathers, husbands, older brothers or boyfriends.
Some people are sexually assaulted by others whom they had trusted or seen as having a degree of authority; for example, school teachers, those they have a sporting / club association with, Church leaders, family friends or neighbours.
We all have the right to feel safe all the time.
There's nothing so awful that it can't be talked about with someone.

With assistance, healing is possible, confidence can be regained and productive lives continued.

What to do after you've been sexually assaulted

Get to a safe place or call someone who can help you get to a safe place.: Contact a friend, the Police, a Centre Against Sexual Assault, or the After Hours Sexual Assault Crisis Line. Walk into the nearest Police Station or hospital.
Consider avoiding showering, drinking, eating or changing your clothes if you think you might report the assault to the police.: These activities can destroy physical evidence that could be useful if police decide to prosecute.
Get medical attention.: Even if you feel embarrassed about your injuries, it is very important to receive medical assistance; hospital and medical staff are accustomed to dealing with sensitive issues and can talk with you about particular health checks and sexually transmitted diseases.
Write down information.: Note everything that you remember happening with as much detail as possible. This can help you to cope with the situation but may also be helpful in any legal action you might decide to take.

How you might be feeling

There are some common reactions that are sometimes experienced after a life threatening trauma. It is reassuring to know how others react in similar situations.

You may experience:

Shock
Numbness
Anger
Shame
Sadness
Depression
Guilt
Fear

Physical symptoms

Sense of helplessness
Wanting to be alone
Problems concentrating, sleeping, trusting others
Vivid recall and intrusive memories

These reactions are considered normal and may last a short period, be experienced intermittently over a longer period or be more problematic over the longer term.

These reactions can be very unpleasant and distressing.

Finding a way to express your feelings and talk about your responses can help.

SW CASA staff can assist with strategies for overcoming these and other consequences of having been sexually assaulted.

Rights of service users

SW CASA acknowledges and promotes the rights of services users:

to be believed;
to be treated with dignity, respect, sensitivity and understanding;
to be protected;
to privacy and a confidential service;
to accurate information and control decision making;
to have choices supported and control over information;
to have an interpreter or communication aide if required;
to be supported in a way that is culturally and developmentally appropriate and sensitive; and
to provide feedback (both compliments and complaints) regarding the experience of being a service user.

Contact details

Postal address

South West Healthcare
Ryot Street
Warrnambool Vic 3280

Building location

Ruth Hellier House
299 Koroit Street Warrnambool
Google map

Ph: 03 5564 4144 or 1800 806 292
Fax: 03 5561 5116
Email: casa@swh.net.au

Hours of service

Business Hours Monday - Friday. 8.30 am to 5 pm

Rural Services

SW CASA also offers regular services from Camperdown, Portland and Hamilton at the following locations:

Please call SWCASA at the Warrnambool office on 5564 4144 to make an appointment.

Camperdown

Manifold Place
Community Health Centre
14 Manifold Street, Camperdown
Google map

Portland

Community Health Centre
33 Otway Street, Portland
Google map

Hamilton

Frances Hewett Community Health Centre
2 Roberts Street, Hamilton
Google map

After Hours Service

Victorian Sexual Assault Crisis Line

Telephone counselling provided and face-to-face response can be arranged for recent assaults. This service is available 5.30pm - 9.00am weeknights and 24 hours on weekends and public holidays.

Ph: 1800 806292 - free call from landline (Charges will apply if you are calling from a mobile phone, so you can ask the counsellor to return your call)

Other important contact numbers

Lifeline: 131 114 (24 hours)
Police: 000 (24 hour emergency number)
Warrnambool Police - Sexual Offences & Child Abuse Unit: 03 5560 1189
Warrnambool Police Station: 03 5560 1333
Department of Human Services - Child Protection: 9am - 5pm: 1800 075 599 5pm - 9am: 13 12 78