Concerns about possible sexual harm – Support for parents and carers 

When concerns about child sexual harm arise—whether directly involving your child, your family or your community — it is distressing and feels overwhelming.   

 You might be experiencing some of the feelings below: 

• Shock 
• Anger
• Confusion 
• Numbness 
• Sadness 
• Guilt

These feelings are normal.

Looking after yourself – supporting your child starts with you 

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. 

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. 

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.  

Supporting your child 

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.  
• Respond to your child with warmth and kindness.
• Keep your family routines as normal as possible.  
• Pay attention to how your child is feeling and talk openly with them.  

Access the Emerging Minds resource: Five ways to support your child's wellbeing  

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.  
• Do not frighten your child by asking confronting questions. 
• 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.
  

Important facts about sexual assault

• Sexual assault is a crime 
• Sexual assault is never the child’s fault. 
• Sexual assault is an abuse of the child’s trust and a violation of their right to safety.  
• 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. 
• Each child reacts differently to sexual assault 
  

Some signs of sexual abuse 

Common signs of sexual abuse in children can* include: 

• Sudden behaviour changes 
• Regression (e.g. bedwetting)  
• 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 others 
• Anxiety and fear (phobias, obsessions and avoidance) 
• Nightmares 
• Avoidance of specific people  
  

*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.  

If you are an adult survivor of child sexual abuse and have been triggered by recent events... 

You are not alone. Your past matters. Your recovery and healing matter. 

To access support, you could:

• Reach out to a specialist adult sexual assault service or trauma service. 
• 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. 

If this information has caused you distress and you need support now, please contact the below support services: 

Lifeline – 131114 

1800 Respect – 1800 737 732 

Sexual Assault Crisis Line – 1800 806 292 

If you are immediate danger, please call 000 

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 Gatehouse Monday–Friday, 9am–5pm on (03) 9345 6391.

Please note: Gatehouse 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 Sexual Assault Services Victoria website.

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.