A phone call is the starting point for every CRCC service.

One phone call connects you to free and confidential support. Support is available for anyone impacted by sexual violence, whether it happened recently or many years ago.

The line is available every day of the week, including weekends and public holidays, from 7am to 11pm. All of our staff are professional trained counsellors who are experts in sexual violence.

While we do all we can to answer every call immediately, sometimes our lines are occupied. If this happens, please leave a message or call back in a few minutes. 

Who can call

Anyone impacted by sexual violence can call us:

• Women, men, and people of all gender identities
• Adults, young people, and children who have been impacted by sexual violence — recently or in the past
• Family members, partners, and friends supporting someone who has been impacted
• People in the community whose role brings them into contact with victim-survivors — including teachers, sport coaches, nurses, and other professionals
• Anyone who has witnessed sexual violence and needs to talk
• Professionals working with victim-survivors who need information, consultation, or debriefing

Our crisis counsellors can connect you with the specialist service or program that best fits your needs.

What to expect when I call

When you call, a trained crisis counsellor will listen and respond to whatever you bring. You might be: 

• A recent or past victim-survivor out for the first time 

• Someone who has been triggered or is struggling to cope 

• Someone considering whether to report to police 

• A family member or supporter looking for guidance and/or support 

• Someone who is ready to start ongoing counselling 

• A professional needing consultation or information  

There is no wrong reason to call. The crisis counsellor will listen, provide support in the moment, and help you work out what – if anything – you would like to do next.  

During peak periods our line may be busy, please feel free to leave a name and number and someone will call you back as soon as possible. If you are not comfortable to leave your details, please call us back. Every call and every caller is important to us and we are here to help.  

Connecting with our other services

The crisis team also handles intake for all CRCC programs. If you would like ongoing support, the crisis counsellor will gather some information and connect you with the right service, whether that is counselling, the SAMSSA program, the Nguru program, ISVA, or information or support about reporting an incident to police. 

Confidentiality

Your call is confidential. The only exceptions are situations whether there is a risk of serious harm to you or someone else, which the counsellor will discuss with you.

If you need help outside our hours

Our crisis line operates from 7am to 11pm, every day of the week. Outside these hours: 

• 1800RESPECT – 1800 737 232 (24 hours) 

• Lifeline – 13 11 14 (24 hours) 

• In an emergency, call 000