Sexual Violence Awareness Month is recognised across Queensland throughout October, reminding us that preventing sexual violence is not the responsibility of one service, organisation or individual, it belongs to all of us.
Queensland’s Prevent. Support. Believe. framework places the focus on preventing sexual violence, supporting people who have experienced it, and strengthening accountability and justice.
LISTEN AND BELIEVE
When someone shares an experience of sexual violence, the response they receive can matter enormously.
Listening without judgement, believing what they tell you and allowing them to decide what happens next can help create safety and support. You do not need to investigate, question or have all the answers.
Sometimes the most important first response is simply:
“I hear you. I believe you. What do you need?”
UNDERSTAND CONSENT
Queensland operates under an affirmative model of consent. Consent must be freely and voluntarily given, and each person has a responsibility to make sure the other person is consenting.
Consent is ongoing, can be withdrawn at any time and should never be assumed from silence or lack of resistance.
CHALLENGE WHAT NORMALISES HARM
Prevention also means looking at the attitudes and behaviours around us.
Sexist jokes, victim blaming, disrespecting boundaries or dismissing someone’s experience can contribute to environments where sexual violence is minimised.
Speaking up respectfully helps set a different standard.
KNOW WHERE SUPPORT IS
People may disclose immediately, years later, or never report to police at all. Support should remain available regardless of when someone chooses to speak.
1800RESPECT ~ 1800 737 732 provides confidential information and support 24/7.
IT BELONGS TO ALL OF US
Prevention, support and belief are not separate ideas. Together, they shape how we respond, how we support, and how we create safer communities.
Awareness is important, but meaningful change comes from what we do with it.
Listen. Believe. Respect boundaries. Challenge harmful attitudes. Know where to find support.
Because safer communities are created when ordinary people choose to act differently.
