Concerns about possible sexual harm – Support for parents and carersÌý
When concerns about child sexual harm arise—whether directly involving your child, your family or your community — it is distressing and feels overwhelming. ÌýÌý
 You might be experiencing some of the feelings below:Ìý
- ³§³ó´Ç³¦°ìÌý
- Anger
- °ä´Ç²Ô´Ú³Ü²õ¾±´Ç²ÔÌý
- ±·³Ü³¾²ú²Ô±ð²õ²õÌý
- ³§²¹»å²Ô±ð²õ²õÌý
- Guilt
These feelings are normal.
Looking after yourself – supporting your child starts with youÌý
A child’s wellbeing is deeply shaped by the care and support they receive from trusted adults. To best care for your child, you must also take care of yourself.Ìý
Stay connected to the people and supports you trust—family, friends, school staff, or professionals. It's your choice who you involve, and what you decide to share.Ìý
You may also need extra support—practical help, parenting resources, or counselling to support you through this time. See a list of support services you might find helpful for you and your child. Ìý
Supporting your childÌý
The most important thing you can do is make sure your child feels safe and to be there for them. As best as you can, try to:
- Stay calm when you're with your child. Ìý
- Respond to your child with warmth and kindness.
- Keep your family routines as normal as possible. Ìý
- Pay attention to how your child is feeling and talk openly with them.ÌýÌý
Access the Emerging Minds resource: Five ways to support your child's wellbeing Ìý
Other things you can do to support your child
- Do not force or overly encourage your child to tell you anything, you are there to listen to what they want to tell you. Ìý
- Do not frighten your child by asking confronting questions.Ìý
- Let your child know that you are there for them if they ever need anything.
- Talk with your child in age-appropriate ways about body safety.
Other resources for parents and carers
Important facts about sexual assault
- Sexual assault is a crimeÌý
- Sexual assault is never the child’s fault.Ìý
- Sexual assault is an abuse of the child’s trust and a violation of their right to safety. Ìý
- It is not unusual for parents or carers to blame themselves, but it is never their fault. It is always the offender who is responsible for the sexual assault.Ìý
- Each child reacts differently to sexual assaultÌý
Some signs of sexual abuseÌý
Common signs of sexual abuse in children can* include:Ìý
- Sudden behaviour changesÌý
- Regression (e.g. bedwetting) Ìý
- Sexualised behaviour such as persistent and/or inappropriate sexual play with peers, toys, or themselves. For example, the child habitually inserting objects in her vagina or sexually aggressive behaviour with othersÌý
- Anxiety and fear (phobias, obsessions and avoidance)Ìý
- NightmaresÌý
- Avoidance of specific people Ìý
*Please note that not all children will respond in the same way. Some children who have experienced sexual harm may not show any of the signs above. There can also be other reasons, other than sexual harm, why children might show the above signs. Ìý
If you are an adult survivor of child sexual abuse and have been triggered by recent events...Ìý
You are not alone. Your past matters. Your recovery and healing matter.Ìý
To access support, you could:
- Reach out to a or trauma service.Ìý
- Consider trauma-informed therapy with someone trained in childhood abuse recovery.
- Connect with survivor-led or peer support groups if you feel safe to do so.
- Access a list of other support services you might find helpful.Ìý
If this information has caused you distress and you need support now, please contact the below support services:Ìý
Lifeline – 131114Ìý
1800 Respect – 1800 737 732Ìý
Sexual Assault Crisis Line – 1800 806 292Ìý
If you are immediate danger, please call 000Ìý
Accessing support for your child following sexual harm/assault
If your child has been sexually harmed and you would like to speak with someone, you can contact SASH Monday–Friday, 9am–5pm on (03) 9345 6391.
Please note:ÌýSASH provides services to children and families who live in Brimbank, Melton, Moonee Valley, Maribyrnong, Melbourne, Hobsons Bay and Wyndham LGAs or are inpatients at The Royal Children's Hospital. If you live in another
LGA, find your local service on the
.
To speak to someone after hours, on a weekend, or on public holidays you can call the Sexual Assault Crisis Line (SACL) on 1800 806 292.
SACL is a state-wide, after-hours, confidential telephone service for people who have experienced both past and recent sexual assault.Ìý