I was abused in the past – what can I do?
Being sexually abused as a child is a traumatic experience. An experience as difficult as childhood sexual abuse can cause changes in how a person feels, thinks or behaves. These changes can last for many years.
Many people feel shame, anger and sadness. Some people develop symptoms of depression, anxiety or post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
If you have been sexually abused as a child, it may be hard for you to trust other people and feel safe in relationships. This can make you feel very lonely.
Statute of Limitations
In Victoria there is no time limit (Statute of Limitations) on reporting sexual assault or abuse, so you can report an assault that happened years ago. Sometimes it’s harder for police to find enough evidence to support the case when a lot of time has passed. It may be difficult to find witnesses and forensic evidence. You can speak to the police about your situation and ask questions about what would happen, before you make an official report.
Generally speaking, sexual assault is any type of unwanted sexual behaviour that makes someone feel uncomfortable, intimidated or afraid.
What is child abuse?
Child abuse is when children or young people are harmed, not protected or not taken care of. Child abuse can happen in many ways, for example: Physical abuse, Emotional abuse, Sexual abuse, Neglect.
What is forensic evidence?
This is when a doctor collects evidence for the police and writes a report. Things that might be used as forensic evidence include photographs of bruises or wounds. The Doctor may also take swabs using long medical cotton-buds. Taking swabs means wiping areas of your skin or body to collect items for evidence or for testing.
Civil action and compensation
Time limits do apply for bringing a civil action (court case) against offenders, and also for applying for compensation through the Victims of Crime Assistance Tribunal.
In some situations it’s possible to apply for compensation outside the time limit
An offender is the person who assaulted or sexually abused you.
Action you can take
Talking to a trained professional can be a first step in working out the issues you are facing, and starting to deal with them.
Some options are
- Talk to a Counsellor at a Centre Against Sexual Assault (CASA).
- Call the Sexual Assault Crisis Line 1800 806 292 to talk to a Counsellor about your options.
- Talk to your GP and ask for a referral to a psychologist or social worker.
- Ring 000 to report the assault to the police. In Victoria, call a Victoria Police Sexual Offences and Child Abuse Unit.
Links
For more informationFor more information about this or to contact the South Eastern Centre Against Sexual Assault go to the SECASA website. |
