Supporting Sexual Assault Victim/Survivors

We proudly provide legal advice and representation to victim/survivors of rape and sexual assault.

In addition to our legal services we run a number of campaigns, and partner with other organisations, to create change to better support victim/survivors of sexual assault and hold perpetrators of violence against women and children accountable.

In Australia 1 in 5 women, 1 in 6 children and 1 in 20 men experience sexual assault.

Evidence shows that First Nations women, Trans women, older women, women with disability, women of colour, migrant women, women who work in sex work, and many others are more vulnerable to gender-based violence - because of the intersection of racism, trans/homophobia and other biases and discrimination.

Rape and sexual assault can lead to a life-long impact. Harm caused by the assaults and harm caused by the justice system that is meant to protect and support victim/survivors.

Justice can come in many forms. For each survivor justice will be different. Some seek to find a way to ensure this can never happen to another woman or girl again while others focus on criminal, civil or administrative processes.

At Violet Co our team is led by survivors of sexual assault - our team includes Aboriginal women and passionate advocates.

We walk along-side you on your “justice journey” providing legal advice and representation.

About our approach to supporting victim/survivors of rape and sexual assault

  • We acknowledge that sexual assault disproportionately impacts First Nations women, women experiencing disability, women of colour, lesbian, trans, non-binary and gender-diverse women. We also acknowledge that men and boys are sexually assaulted while recognising that sexual violence is gendered.

    We acknowledge that sexual assault, harassment, discrimination and domestic and family violence are all on the same continuum of violence against women and male power.

  • Engagement with the justice system can cause further, and different, trauma for victim/survivors. Ensuring that our clients are supported with specialist psychological and counselling supports is important.

    We can assist you to identify appropriate psychological and counselling services, support you with victims services applications for government funded counselling support and provide you with “warm” referral where possible.

    Here are some of the relevant services:

  • Karen Iles has spoken out about her own experiences of rape, sexual assault and the justice system.

    Having a lawyer who “gets it” can make a real difference. You can read more about Karen’s own personal experiences, and the advocacy campaign she has led Make Police Investigate.

  • In addition to our legal services we run a number of campaigns, and partner with other organisations, to create change to better support victim/survivors of sexual assault and hold perpetrators of violence against women and children accountable.

    You can read more about our advocacy work here.

Legal advice and representation for victim/survivors of rape and sexual assault

What are some of your legal options?

None of these options are exclusive. You can consider multiple options depending on your experience. We offer legal advice and representation in all of these areas.

Criminal

We appreciate that navigating the criminal process is challenging and traumatic. By working with Violet Co you can reduce the risk of further trauma by having our lawyers “buffer” you from the trauma of the justice system.

We represent you, and walk hand in hand. We can provide information, legal advice and representation about:

  • the stages and processes within justice “system” - police and the courts

  • your rights, entitlements and protections as a victim (as a witness for the prosecution) in the criminal justice system

  • reporting to police and giving evidence

  • case management to protect you from further trauma and re-victimisation in dealing with police and prosecution

  • victim impact statements

  • where possible, making representations on your behalf in Court

Workplace

Sexual assault, harassment and discrimination in the workplace have specific processes and remedies under workplace law. We can provide legal advice and representation about:

  • For employees and employers under Fair Work, Safe Work and anti-discrimination legislation

  • disclosing, reporting, options for remedy and justice

  • workplace investigations (conducting investigations or representing victim/survivors)

  • Transformative mediation and strategic change process with the institution to prevent further instances

  • Restorative justice processes

Education and other institutions

Educational and other institutions often have their own internal processes and remedies for addressing sexual assault. We can provide legal advice and representation about:

  • Transformative mediation and strategic change process with the institution to prevent further instances

  • Civil litigation and referrals to the National Redress Scheme

Civil litigation

Civil litigation is increasingly becoming an option in sexual assault matters. We work in partnership with other firms to support victim/survivors through civil litigation matters.

Victims Services

Victims Services (government body - called different names in different States/Territories) can offer psychological, financial and recognition to survivors of sexual assault. This in itself can provide a sense of being believed - an important process in healing. We can provide legal advice and representation about:

  • your application

  • appealing a decision

What’s the process?

Every client is different. Every set of circumstances is different. The process below will be tailored to suit your needs.

Step 1: New client form

To allow us to quickly get across the detail and how we can support you with legal advice and representation our new client form will guide you through the information we need. Our fees are listed on the form - however we do consider pro bono, low-fee and no-win no-fee structures.

We seek to avoid you having to re-tell your experience. This is why your new client form is important. We also ask that you send us relevant documents at this time.

Step 2: Book an appointment

Once you complete the new client form our team will be in touch to book an appointment - or you can request one now on our contact form.

Step 3: Client care and trauma informed approach

We work in a survivor-led and trauma informed way. What this means is that we want to know how you want to work with us. Our client care form will guide all of our interactions with you to ensure we are doing what we can to minimise any re-victimisation or trauma.

Step 4: Initial meeting

Our initial meeting will focus on understanding your experience, what justice looks like for you and what legal advice and representation you are seeking.

Where possible we will provide verbal legal advice in this appointment. We can also refer you to psychological and counselling services (if you would like that).

In this meeting, and subsequent meetings, we will work with you to:

  • Understand what “justice” looks like for you and what your “justice” options might consist of

  • Define your objectives for legal advice and representation

  • Define and agree next steps to give you certainty and control over your matter

Step 6: Get started together. We work in a way that ensures you are in control of your matter. We schedule regular check-ins and communicate with you in a way that works for you. We follow our trauma informed approaches. You can read more about the way we work here.

New Client Forms

For individuals or organisations seeking legal advice, assistance and representation, please click the button below to fill in our form.

Psychological and counselling support for victim/survivors of rape and sexual assault

You are not alone.

If you have experienced sexual assault, or are supporting a loved one or friend through it, please call Full Stop Australia for support 24/7 on 1800 FULLSTOP or 1800 385 578.

Support is available for victim/survivors of rape and sexual assault, and those supporting them. Here is a list of some services that can support you today.