Queensland Sexual Assault Network

[Queensland Sexual Assault Network @QSANetwork]

Queensland needs a clear, coordinated plan to prevent sexual violence and reduce offending. QSAN stands ready to work with government to develop this plan.

At the same time, specialist sexual violence services need funding certainty beyond 2027 to avoid a looming funding cliff.

[Queensland Sexual Assault Network @QSANetwork]

Consultation is now open on the Second Action Plan under the National Plan to End Violence Against Women and Children.

Sexual violence must remain a priority, with stronger prevention and response measures.

Share your thoughts: https://t.co/fk2xnI4L3m

#SexualViolencePrevention

[Queensland Sexual Assault Network @QSANetwork]

Tasmania has protected confidential sexual violence counselling notes from use in criminal proceedings for decades.

In Queensland, these confidential counselling notes can still be accessed in court by offenders.

Queensland victim-survivors deserve greater protections.

[Queensland Sexual Assault Network @QSANetwork]

Many children of the Stolen Generations experienced abuse, institutional violence and profound trauma, including sexual violence. Today, we honour the voices and experiences of Stolen Generations survivors and acknowledge there is ongoing work needed toward Reconciliation.

[Queensland Sexual Assault Network @QSANetwork]

QSAN was honoured to attend the Premier’s Breakfast for Domestic and Family Violence Prevention Month last Friday.

Minister @AmandaCammMP advised she is open to considering a standalone Sexual Violence Strategy for Queensland. We look forward to continuing this conversation.

[Queensland Sexual Assault Network @QSANetwork]

Sexual violence can impact the body long after the assault.

New research found survivors of sexual assault were 69% more likely to develop ongoing physical health problems, and 6x more likely to experience widespread chronic symptoms.

Learn more: https://t.co/O07aiBXci8

[Queensland Sexual Assault Network @QSANetwork]

We can stop the rise of sexual violence. But we need a plan.

Sexual violence in Queensland is increasing. In 2025, reports of sexual offences rose by 7.2%, continuing a two-decade upward trend.

Read QSAN’s 10 Point Plan: https://t.co/vLNlfPYvSX

#SexualViolencePrevention

[Queensland Sexual Assault Network @QSANetwork]

May is Domestic and Family Violence Prevention Month in Queensland.

This year’s theme - together Queenslanders can prevent domestic and family violence (DFV) - reminds us that ending DFT and sexual violence is everyone's responsibility.

Take action: https://t.co/im31dGRqnQ

[Queensland Sexual Assault Network @QSANetwork]

Victoria is moving to better protect victim-survivors’ counselling records. Queensland must act too. QSAN calls for absolute privilege so confidential counselling notes cannot be used in sexual violence trials to discredit victim-survivors.

Image: @SASVictoria

#SupportSurvivors

[Queensland Sexual Assault Network @QSANetwork]

Queensland’s backlog of 600+ sexual assault kits has now been cleared after testing was outsourced to a US lab. Forensic Science Queensland says local rape kit testing could resume in July, with turnaround times dropping from 60 days to 5–10 working days.

https://t.co/lw3qal0r0e

[Queensland Sexual Assault Network @QSANetwork]

Unfortunately, QSAN holds serious concerns that these changes will not in practice, limit their use and they will continue to be used in the usual way, but with the proviso that they now relate to prospects of rehabilitation or risks of reoffending.

[Queensland Sexual Assault Network @QSANetwork]

Yesterday, we attended a public hearing to discuss and expand on our recent submission to the Justice, Integrity and Community Safety Committee on the Penalties and Sentences (Sexual Offences) and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2025.

[Queensland Sexual Assault Network @QSANetwork]

The use of good character references are highly distressing and traumatic for victim-survivors, are highly subjective as they are often provided by friends/family of the offender, are not based on objective evidence and should have no place in the judicial process.

[Queensland Sexual Assault Network @QSANetwork]

Please see our response to the recent public commentary about including rape in the Government’s Adult Time: Adult Crime policy.

[Queensland Sexual Assault Network @QSANetwork]

QSAN (Queensland Sexual Assault Network) is the peak body for specialist sexual violence prevention and support organisations in Queensland.

[Queensland Sexual Assault Network @QSANetwork]

and our membership are located throughout Queensland, including in rural and regional locations. Our network of non-Government services is funded to provide specialist sexual assault counselling, support, and prevention programs in Queensland.