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Important Information Update – changes in response to COVID-19:
Cairns Sexual Assault Service (CSAS) provides a free and confidential service for anyone affected by sexual violence.
Cairns Sexual Assault Service will continue to offer the following support to our clients:
To contact CSAS please call: 07 4031 3590 or email: CSAS@true.org.au
Cairns Sexual Assault Service is available by appointment only. If you are seeking immediate support, please call the National Sexual Assault Helpline 1800 RESPECT open 24hrs on 1800 737 732.
If you or someone else is in danger, please contact 000.
CSAS provides support, information, advocacy, counselling and education.
If you have experienced sexual assault or sexual abuse at any time in your life, you are not to blame.
Sexual violence is a term used to describe a range of violating and unwanted behaviours of a sexual nature directed towards a person.
Sexual violence includes:
A sexual act may be considered sexual violence if:
CSAS is an inclusive service supporting all people impacted by sexual violence (recent or historic) regardless of age, gender, sexual preference, ethnicity, religion, personal values or cultural background.
Our sister service, True Child & Family Service, supports children and young people who have experienced sexual assault or child sexual abuse or who engage in sexually reactive behaviours.
If you require a support person or have specific communication (translator or sign interpreter), cultural or physical access needs, please let us know so appropriate arrangements can be made in advance.
Individual responses to sexual violence vary.
Everyone is different and so is the type of support each person needs.
Sessions are client driven and do not necessarily require the sharing of intimate details.
An experience of sexual violence may impact several areas of a person's life. CSAS provides an opportunity to explore these areas in a safe, non-judgemental and confidential.
Sessions may be one-off to address a particular concern or ongoing to meet your needs.
People accessing the service can expect to:
CSAS services are free and confidential. We have strict guidelines to ensure your information is private and secure. Any records of your contact with us are kept indefinitely, and you can access your records by request. More information on accessing records, privacy and confidentiality is available by contacting the service, and given in your first session.
We encourage people who use our service to give feedback—whether making a complaint, giving a compliment or making suggestions. Our aim is to identify and resolve issues as quickly as possible, and to improve service delivery.
You can do this anonymously or give your details, and request follow-up if you would like it.
You can give feedback:
These will all be forwarded to the service manager, and processed according to our service Complaints Policy on a ‘need-to-know’ basis only.
If you have a serious concern or complaint about the conduct of your counsellor, you can speak to the service manager directly or complete the online feedback form on our website.
If you have feedback or complaints about our service that you wish to make to our funding body, you can contact:
The Regional Manager, Community Services Department of Communities, Child Safety and Disability Services PO Box 1696 Cairns QLD 4870 (07) 4036 5300
You have the right:
You can ask any staff member for a full copy of our complaints policy.