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Violence & sexual assault
There are many different types of violence, including sexual assault and incest, bullying and family violence. It can happen to you at any age. Violence can come from a complete stranger or from someone you know. Violence is not just physical abuse. It can also include emotional abuse, like teasing, threats or stalking.
Violence can have a very bad effect on you, whether you experience it yourself or see it happen to other people. You don’t have to put up with violence of any kind. You have options. You can talk to someone you trust or one of the services listed in this section. You can also ring the police and take out an intervention order.
Intervention orders
An intervention order is a court order that says a person must not harass or harm you. It may even say that the person can’t come near you or get their friends to harass you for them. The police can arrest the person if they disobey the order.
If you have experienced violence from a boyfriend, girlfriend or family member, you can apply to a magistrate for an intervention order. You can also get an intervention order if someone is stalking you. If you are under 18 it is a good idea to apply in the Children’s Court.
If you are:
- 18 and older you can apply for an intervention order in your own name
- 14 to 16 you can only apply if the court allows it.
Otherwise your parent or guardian or the police can apply for you. Another adult can apply for you if your parent writes a letter to say this is okay or if the court agrees to it.
Get legal advice if you need an intervention order. See ‘Intervention orders’ (link below).
Sexual assault
Sexual assault is behaviour of a sexual nature that makes you feel uncomfortable, frightened or intimidated. If someone has sex with you or touches you sexually and you don’t agree with this, they are breaking the law. They can be charged with a criminal offence.
This is the case even if you started having sex or agreed to be touched sexually but then changed your mind.
Sexual assault is never your fault.
Victims of crime
No matter how old you are, if you have been injured (physically or mentally) or have lost property or money as a result of a crime you may be entitled to financial help, compensation and counselling.
Make sure you report the crime to the police as soon as you can. You can still be eligible for compensation even if the person who did it isn’t prosecuted or found guilty, as long as the offence is serious enough. If you are under 18, the application for compensation must be made by your parents or guardian. See ‘Victims of crime’ (link below).
More information
Intervention orders (general information)
Victims of crime (general information)
Related publications
Sexual assault: the law, your rights as a victim
How we can help
Victoria Legal Aid’s (VLA) has a Youth Legal Service that provides legal information and assistance to children, young people and parents.
Call VLA’s Legal Information Service for free information over the phone about the law and how we can help you with your legal problem. You can speak to a legal information officer in English or ask for an interpreter. Phone (03) 9269 0120 or 1800 677 402 (country callers), Monday to Friday from 8.45 am to 5.15 pm.
VLA’s free legal services include:
- advice at VLA offices and other locations across Victoria
- lawyers who are on ‘duty’ to help at many courts and tribunals, including the Children’s court
- advice at many correctional facilities, remand and detention centres, including the Melbourne Juvenile Justice Centre, Parkville Youth Residential Centre and secure welfare facilities.
For some matters we can provide you with a lawyer to help you run your case.
To find out more about any of our legal services see What we do.
Who else can help?
If you have been sexually assaulted you can call the police (dial ‘000’ or your local police station). The police have special units that investigate sexual assault and child abuse.
The Centre Against Sexual Assault (CASA) provides support and counselling for victims of sexual assault, as well as information. See the CASA website (new window) for answers to common questions or call CASA’s counselling and support line on (03) 9635 3610.
The Domestic Violence Resource Centre (DVRC) assists people who have experienced abuse. See the DVRC website (new window) for information about their services and links to ‘When love hurts’ – a website for young people about relationships, respect and abuse – and ‘Bursting the bubble’ – a website for young people about family violence and what you can do if you’re being abused by a family member.
The Women’s Domestic Violence Crisis Service provides crisis support and referrals to safe accommodation, 24 hours a day. Phone (03) 9373 0123 or 1800 015 188 (country callers).