Pathways | Sexual violence

What happens if Police don’t charge anyone?

If Police don’t charge anyone, this doesn’t mean that they don’t believe you. There could be different reasons for why police don’t charge someone. You have the right to be kept informed about the progress of the investigation.

Even if someone doesn’t get charged with hurting you, it does not mean that you have not experienced harm, or have not been hurt.. You might be feeling helpless, hopeless, angry, frustrated, upset or panicked. You can still get support to help your recovery, including financial assistance If you are worried about your safety when Police are investigating, or after they have finished an investigation and not charged anyone, talk to Police about this. If you are ever in danger, call 000.

You may need support or someone to talk to if family or relationship dynamics have changed after your have reported sexual violence to Police.

You may also want to seek support to help you with safety planning to help you feel safe.

If you’re not sure where to get help or support from, you can 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.

You can also find more support services here.

Victims' rights
Police must treat you with courtesy, compassion, respect and dignity.
Police will tell you about the progress of their investigation, unless it might jeopardise it.
Police will tell you about services that can help you.
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
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, including sexual violence, you are eligible for financial assistance from Victim Assist Queensland.
Once you report the violence to police (or a doctor, counsellor, psychologist or a domestic violence service) you can apply for financial assistance.
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.
Domestic and family violence
If the person who hurt you was someone you were in a relationship with, a family member, or someone who is caring for you, you might be experiencing domestic or family violence.
Support is available for people experiencing domestic and family violence – you can talk to police or a support service. Police or support services can help you apply for a domestic violence order. A domestic violence order is a legal document. It tells someone not to hurt, threaten, coerce or scare another person they are in a relationship with, or were in a relationship with, or a family member. The order tells someone to follow rules like stay away from another person, or not let children see or hear violence.
More information about domestic violence orders is available here.