The Sexual Assault Response Team (SART) in Townsville is unique in Queensland.
The SART is made up of sexual assault support workers, specialist detectives, hospital staff and clinical forensic medical staff. This is a holistic response to provide immediate support and access to appropriate services following sexual assault.
The Sexual Assault Support Service is available to contact during business hours
Do I have to report it to the police?
You do not have to report the crime to police. Townsville Sexual Assault Support Service can provide you with information about your rights and choices to help you decide whether to report the sexual assault to police. You can also be provided with support during and following reporting sexual assault to police.
If you present to the Emergency Department, SART will be contacted to support you. You can speak to a doctor about any injuries or medical concerns.
The purpose of a forensic examination is to collect evidence and document any injuries which have occurred as a result of the sexual assault.
With your consent, police will arrange for you to see a forensic nurse examiner. Support is available to you throughout this process.
A specialist sexual assault support worker will provide victim focused care, support and information to you.
Whether you choose to report to police or be seen by a forensic nurse examiner, or not, you will be able to access free, confidential ongoing specialist sexual assault counselling and support.
At all stages of the SART process, your rights as a victim of crime will be met and you will be treated with dignity and respect. High quality care, making informed choices and empowerment are the foundations for support and recovery from trauma.
A victim of crime is defined under the Victims of Crime Assistance Act 2009 as anyone who has been injured by an act of violence committed against them in Queensland (s27).
Help and financial assistance may be available for primary victims of an act of violence, and others, who may be the parents of child victims or witnesses to a violent crime.
An injury may include physical, psychological or emotional injury or adverse impacts resulting from sexual offences or domestic and family violence.
A victim of crime may be eligible to receive financial assistance from Victim Assist Queensland to help in the recovery from the act of violence.
For further information see
This service is free and confidential. If you have been sexually assaulted, you should consider having a sexual health check for pregnancy prevention and sexually transmitted infection.
We acknowledge the Wulgurukaba and Bindal people on whose lands and sea we live and work, and acknowledge all First Nations people and cultures; we honour their Elders past, present and emerging. We particularly recognise the unique experiences upon colonisation for First Nations Women and the contribution their voices continue to make within our organisation and the community in working towards reconciliation.
Please be aware that this website may contain the names, images and voices of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who may now be deceased.
