A support service we trust: Sexual Assault Crisis Line

If you’re struggling with the impacts of trauma and need to speak with someone who understands, we recommend reaching out to the Sexual Assault Crisis Line (SACL). This is a service that a many of us at Left Write Hook trust and use.

SACL is Victoria’s statewide afterhours service, providing confidential telephone crisis counselling, information, advocacy and referrals for people who have experienced past and recent sexual assault and sexual violence.

You can choose what you want to share, and the counsellor can listen, help you through what is happening in the moment or talk through options that feel right for you.

A recommendation from lived experience

A member of our team shared why SACL is an important support for them:

“I have SACL’s number saved in my phone and pinned to the top of my contacts. It’s my go-to number when I’m having a difficult night. I’ve called them in the early hours of the morning when I can’t sleep, when I’m feeling really dysregulated, or when I just need to talk to someone who can help bring me back down to earth.

I’ve always found the counsellors sensitive, empathetic and caring. They understand the experiences of victim survivors and are really good at what they do.

I really encourage other victim survivors in our networks to save the number and use the service when they need it.”

How SACL can support you

SACL offers 24/7 counselling support for anyone affected by sexual harm who needs to speak with a trained counsellor.

For people who have experienced a recent sexual assault, SACL also coordinates after-hours crisis support and can provide information about rights and options, help with accessing medical and forensic care, advocate with police and medical professionals, and connect you with longer-term counselling and support.

SACL can also provide brief counselling and information to friends, support people and non-offending family members of a victim-survivor.

Save the number

You do not have to wait until things feel unbearable to reach out.

If you think SACL could be helpful for you, consider saving the number in your phone now so it’s there when you need it.

24/7 counselling support: 1800 806 292

Visit the SACL website for more information and resources: sacl.com.au

SACL operates from 5pm to 9am weekdays, and 24 hours over weekends and public holidays. During business hours, you will be directed through to your local Centre Against Sexual Assault (CASA).