You might tell someone you trust.

It takes courage to talk to anyone about being sexually assaulted. If you have a support network around you — friends, family members, neighbours or colleagues — they can support you to recover and heal from being a victim of sexual violence. You might tell someone you trust about what has happened to you.

They might suggest that you talk to police, or go to the doctor. If you choose to do any of these, you can take the person that you trust with you to these places.

If you go to police, they might want to talk to you without the person you trust. This is because the person you trust might be a witness. You can have another support person with you when you talk to police. This might be someone you know or a professional support person.

What happens if I tell someone?
As an adult, if you tell someone about a sexual assault that happened to you when you were a child, they have to tell police unless you ask them not to.
Victims' rights
Support services must treat you with courtesy, compassion, respect and dignity.
Support services will inform you about support services and options available to you.
Support services will not disclose your personal information unless the law says it must or you say that it is okay.
You can complain if your rights aren’t being met.
You can read the full Charter of Victims’ Rights on our website. Easy-read English and translated versions are also available.
Support
If you are in immediate danger, you should phone Triple Zero (000) or go to the emergency department at your local hospital.
You can also call the Sexual Assault Helpline on 1800 010 120.
The Sexual Assault Helpline is available to call 7.30am to 11.30pm, 7 days a week.
There are many support services that provide specialist support to victims of sexual violence. You can find more information here
Financial assistance
If you are a victim of a violent offence in Queensland, including sexual assault or domestic and family violence, you are eligible for financial assistance from Victim Assist Queensland.
Before applying for financial assistance, you have to report the violence to police, a doctor, counsellor, psychologist or a domestic violence service.
Financial assistance can help you pay for medical or counselling expenses if you have been injured. It can also help you pay for travel to appointments and recover earnings if you were unable to work because of injuries. You may be eligible for special assistance as well.
You can find more information about applying for financial assistance here.
National Redress Scheme
The National Redress Scheme is for people who suffered sexual abuse as children in institutions.
Redress means recognising the hurt done to survivors of abuse.
Institutions means you were hurt while you were in a place like a church, mission, school, orphanage, children’s home, foster home, detention centre, hospital or sports club.
To be able to apply for redress, you have to be eligible.
To find out more information and whether you are eligible, click here.
You can also call 1800 737 377 Monday to Friday between 8am-5pm AET if you need support or to find out more information.
Domestic and family violence
If you are a victim of domestic and family violence, you are eligible for financial assistance from Victim Assist Queensland.
Before applying for financial assistance, you have to report the violence to police, a doctor, counsellor, psychologist or a domestic violence service.
Financial assistance can help you pay for medical or counselling expenses if you have been injured. It can also help you pay for travel to appointments and recover earnings if you were unable to work because of injuries. You may be eligible for special assistance as well.
You can find more information about applying for financial assistance here.