The terminology that is used throughout this website and all CRCC resources can vary as follows:
Except where the term ‘sexual assault’ is used within a legal definition (see section: What does the Law say about Sexual Assault) the terms ‘sexual assault’, ‘sexual violence’ and ‘sexual abuse’ are used interchangeably and refer to a broad range of sexual behaviours and sexual conduct towards another person, including both contact and non-contact behaviours, which are unwanted or where the person is unable to give consent (see section: When is Consent Negated?)
Different people refer to those who have experienced sexual assault as ‘victims’ and others use the term ‘survivor’. Individuals who have experienced sexual assault may prefer one word over the other and some use each of the terms to describe their experience at different times.
When a person has experienced trauma, they may feel overwhelmed or in crisis, their capacity to cope may be overloaded and they may feel paralysed. The word ‘victim’ can reflect this difficult and distressing time, which may last weeks, months, and for some people, years. It can also conjure up the sense that the person who experienced the sexual assault was subjected to the tactics of an offender.
The word ‘victim’ is also used by police and in criminal proceeding to denote that the person who has experienced an offence is not responsible for the offence.
The word ‘survivor’ is sometimes used in a therapeutic context and for some people it represents resilience and the ability to take action. The term can capture a sense of resourcefulness and strength in overcoming obstacles despite having gone through immense trauma.
The terms ‘offender’ and ‘perpetrator’ are used for those who perpetrate sexual violence with the exception of the reporting and legal process section where the terms ‘defendant’ and ‘accused person’ are used, reflecting the language used in criminal proceedings.
The Canberra Rape Crisis Centre (CRCC) is a non-government, Feminist organisation working collaboratively within service provision systems in the ACT and surrounding areas to provide services and programs to eliminate sexual violence in our community.
We provide a crisis support line, information and referral, advocacy and counselling services to victim survivors of sexual violence. Our services extend to provide community support for First Nations survivors, as well as community education and training programs.
The Canberra Rape Crisis Centre acknowledges that we conduct our work on the lands of the Ngunnawal & Ngambri People, Traditional Custodians of the Canberra region. We pay respect to First Nations Peoples and Elders past and present throughout the nation. We recognise the continuing connection to lands, waters and communities, and acknowledge that lands were never ceded.
Canberra Rape Crisis Centre
P.O Box 3805,
WESTON CREEK, ACT 2611
Admin & Business Enquiries:
Business Phone Line (02) 6287 3618
Email crcc@crcc.org.au
Crisis Support & Services Information:
Crisis Phone Line (02) 6247 2525
Crisis Text Contact Only 0488 586 518
Crisis Email Contact crisis@crcc.org.au
Community Education & Training Enquiries:
Business Phone Line (02) 6287 3618
Email cep@crcc.org.au
CRCC is committed to excellence in service provision, intersectional feminism, access & equity, diversity & inclusion.