Responding to sexual assault: Tools
Organisational responses
It is important for organisations to have clear policies and procedures and to provide training so that staff know how to respond to a sexual assault should it occur.
Model policy for residential disability services
Procedures for response to suspicion or report of sexual assault [PDF]
Achieve Foundation
Achieve Foundation's policy represents best practice where the response is victim-centred and sexual assault services are contacted as the first response (with the victims consent).
Model policy for residential aged-care services
The Benevolent Society
The Benevolent Society has a model policy on preventing and dealing with the abuse of older people including the compulsory reporting requirements.
As of 1 July 2007, residential aged-care services are required to report allegations and suspicion of actual 'reportable assault' to the police and to the Secretary of the Department of Health and Ageing as soon as reasonably practical but at least within 24 hours. To make a report call 1800 500 552.
The legal system and victims services
The plain-English Courtwise website explains the processes of the NSW court system for victims and other witnesses.
The Victims of Crime website provides practical information for victims of crime and service providers assisting victims about:
- counselling and support services
- police investigations and court processes
- obtaining compensation
- domestic violence and sexual assault
- victims rights.
Responding to sexual assault: Contact agencies lists organisations that can assist a sexual assault victim through the legal process.
Medical and forensic examinations
Sexual assault services can provide any medical examinations and treatments including testing and follow-up for sexually transmitted diseases.
If a sexual assault happened within about three days of going to a sexual assault service, the service may talk to the victim about having a forensic examination. A forensic examination can be important if the victim wants to report the assault to the police – it can provide very important evidence that can be used at a trial.
The fact sheet Preserving forensic evidence (by Yarrow Place Rape and Sexual Assault Service) explains how to preserve forensic evidence.