Support for Adult Survivors

Remember: childhood sexual abuse is not your fault. The only person responsible for what happened is the perpetrator. There is also no 'right' way to respond to abuse. Every survivor's recovery from childhood sexual abuse will look different. It’s important that, even if you seek help or guidance from other people, you choose what happens next.

Our team is acutely aware of a lack of support services that target adult survivors of online child sexual abuse and exploitation. We have spoken with a number of services about our research, and the specific complexities faced by adult survivors of this crime type. We have done this to ensure a survivor centric approach to all aspects of our research, but also to support those of you who have a lived experience.

If at any time you require support (including as a result of participating in this project) you can contact the following services.

Bravehearts Information & Support Line

For initial support you can contact the Bravehearts information support line

The Bravehearts Information & Support Line is a toll-free phone service for those seeking advice or help related to child sexual abuse, including what to do if your child or someone you know has disclosed child sexual abuse.

The specially trained Information & Support Line operators can also provide information about engaging with Bravehearts and other support services.

Bravehearts Information & Support Line 1800 272 831 operates during the hours of 8:30am to 4:30pm, Monday to Friday AEST (hours may vary on public holidays).

13YARN

If you, or someone you know, are feeling worried or no good, we encourage you to connect with 13YARN on 13 92 76 (24 hours/7 days) and talk with an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander Crisis Supporter.

  • Aboriginal and Torres Straight Islander Crisis Support
  • Free/Confidential from any mobile or payphone in Australia
  • Run by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander per\ople

Blue Knot

Blue Knot supports adult survivors of childhood trauma and abuse and CSAM, parents, partners, family and friends as well as the professionals who work with them. See https://blueknot.org.au/survivors/blue-knot-helpline-redress-support-service/.

You can call the Blue Knot Helpline and Redress Support Service on 1300 657 380

This service operates from 9am-5pm AEST/AEDT 7 days a week including public holidays. You can also email helpline@blueknot.org.au

SAMSN (NSW Only)

This is a specialist telephone support service providing the opportunity for male survivors to talk with a peer; someone with lived experience who can identify with the issues so often faced by men living with the impacts of child sexual abuse (CSA). See https://www.samsn.org.au/ or the 1800 472 676- Peer Support Line

SAMSN is Australia’s leading organisation for male survivors of child sexual abuse and their supporters. SAMSN is a not-for-profit charity that evolved through collaboration between survivors and professionals to provide services to male survivors, their families, and supporters. SAMSN services for survivors and supporters are FREE.

All male survivors of child sexual assault should know that the abuse was not their fault and that healing and recovery is possible. Regardless of his ethnicity, sexual orientation, age or religion, any man, including all expressions of male gender identity, can contact SAMSN for support.