Traumatic or difficult events such as major accidents, sexual assault, domestic violence, war, and being a victim of crime can have a great effect on your mind and body.  You may become more focused on threat and danger, your body may be more aroused as a result of you scanning the environment for signs of threat.  You may feel shock and disbelief at what has happened, and may even feel disconnected from reality for a bit.

Other symptoms that are commonly experienced following traumatic events include being easily startled, experiencing sleep difficulties, frequent flashbacks to the incident, feeling confused, and wanting to withdraw from others and from day to day functioning.  While these are symptoms that are commonly experienced, if they continue to affect you after a couple of weeks please seek out professional help, including talking to us here at the Counselling Service.

 

Information

Coping with traumatic events or difficult life events

Helping yourself following traumatic events

Lawlink NSW Victims of crime
This site provides information on counselling and support services, police investigations and court processes, obtaining compensation, domestic violence and sexual assault, and victims’ rights.

Another closet
Domestic violence in gay and lesbian relationships.

When love hurts
Information on healthy vs. unhealthy relationships, abusive relationships, respect within a relationship, as well as stories and advice from people who have survived abusive relationships.

NSW Government
Contains useful practical information about AVOs, legal assistance, counselling support, housing assistance, etc.

NSW Police
Definition of stalking and intimidation

 

Phone Services

Domestic Violence line
Freecall: 1800 65 64 63   TTY: 1800 67 14 42
The DV Line is run by the NSW Department of Community Services.  It is free and staffed 24-hours, 7-days a week.  Please note - if you call the 1800 number from your mobile it will be billed to your account and appear on your bill. If you call from a landline or pay phone it is free and will not appear on your bill.

Sexual Assault Services
For women the NSW Rape Crisis Centre offers 24-hour counselling, support and information.
Phone: (02) 9819 6565   TTY: 9181 4349 or 1800 42 40 17

For men and women the Royal Prince Alfred Hospital’s Sexual Assault Service offers 24-hour counselling, support and referral.
Business hours: (02) 9515 3680 After Hours: (02) 9515 6111

Victims’ Support Line
Phone: (02) 9374 3005   Freecall: 1800 63 30 63.
If you have experienced physical or sexual assault you can call the 24-hour Victims’ Support Line for information, support and referral. The staff can tell you about your right to claim compensation and help you complete an application, as well as provide you with information about preparing a victim impact statement. You may also be able to apply for counselling through the Victims of Crime Bureau. Staff of the Victim Support Line can tell you how to do this.

LawAccess NSW
Phone and TTY: 1300 888 529
LawAccess NSW provides free telephone legal information, advice, referral and assistance to people in NSW. Plain language legal information resources can be accessed on the LawAccess NSW website at www.lawaccess.nsw.gov.au. These may not relate directly to same sex domestic violence but have useful information on general legal matters eg applying for AVOs.

Inner City Legal Centre (ICLC), Lesbian and Gay Legal Rights Service
Phone: (02) 9332 1966
The ICLC operates the Lesbian and Gay Legal Rights Service on Wednesday evenings from 4pm (by appointment only). Both services offer information and advice on a range of legal matters.

ACON’s Lesbian and Gay Anti-Violence Project
Phone: (02) 9206 2116   Freecall: 1800 063 060
The Lesbian and Gay Anti-Violence Project runs a Report-Line and information and referral service. Reports made to the Report-Line can be anonymous. Reports are used to develop education resources, advocate on behalf of individuals and to map incidents of same sex domestic violence. (In emergencies call the police.)

 

Self-help books

No longer a victim: A woman comes to terms with her abused childhood by Cathy-Ann Matthews

Surviving Rape by the NSW Rape Crisis Centre

The courage to heal workbook: For women and men survivors of child sexual abuse by Laura Davis

The courage to heal: A guide for women survivors of child sexual abuse by Ellen Bass and Laura Davis

Victims no longer by Mike Lew
For men recovering from the effects of child sexual abuse

How dangerous men think and how to stay safe for life by Brent Sanders
Written by a former police officer, this book provides insight into how the minds of sex offenders, gangs, and other violent criminals work.  It is a practical guide on what to do in situations such as rape, being confronted by someone with a weapon, date rape, confrontations with groups and gangs, and outlines simple self-defence strategies that you can use to protect yourself.

 

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