Why we are here
QSAN is the peak body for a network of specialist services in Queensland that focus on preventing sexual violence and supporting survivor voices.
These services deliver sexual assault counselling, support, and prevention programs. We work together to ensure that all Queenslanders who have experienced sexual violence – whether recently or in the past, and no matter their age, gender, sexual orientation, or cultural background – receive high-quality, client-centred support.
In line with best practice, our services use trauma-informed approaches, which means we focus on helping survivors feel safe, respected, and supported as they heal.
As the peak body, QSAN exists to strengthen the sector by advocating for sexual assault support workers in Queensland, and providing a forum to share knowledge. We drive change by working with others to improve how communities respond to sexual violence. Give advice and write responses to help improve laws and policies to stop sexual violence and make communities accountable.
QSAN and its members understand that sexual violence is linked to gender inequality.
Services our members provide
Across the state of Queensland, our members provide many different types of specialist support to people who have survived sexual violence. Services include:
- Individual and group support
- Counselling
- Information and advice
- Referral
- Advocacy
Some members provide legal support, emergency relief, court support, help with accommodation, and parenting information.
Within these many services, there are also specialist services who help develop, share and deliver best practice responses to those who are:
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander
- People from different cultures and languages
- People with thinking or learning disabilities
- LGBTIQ+
- Women and young women
- Men and young men
- Children
- Children and young people engaging in sexually harmful behaviours
Values, vision and mission
Our values
Our aim
The Queensland Sexual Assault Network (QSAN) is a collaborative network of services that provide specialist sexual assault response and prevention services throughout Queensland, advocating for victim-survivors and the specialist services who support them.
Our vision
All victim-survivors of sexual assault are supported, perpetrators are held accountable, and we are drivers of cultural change that values safety, justice and respect.
Our objectives
QSAN member services value cooperation, collaboration and support between services to achieve our aims of:
- Provide specialised knowledge and statewide consultation on issues of sexual violence and sexual assault service provision to Government, media, services, and communities.
- Lead social awareness and education on issues of sexual violence.
- Provide advice and submissions on policy and legislation reform pertaining to the elimination of sexual violence and community accountability.
- Promote professional development and support for sexual assault support workers in Queensland.
- Provide a forum for sharing information, knowledge, skills, and resources across Sexual Assault Support and Prevention Programs.
- Identify regional trends / needs and advocate / lobby for social, legal and political change to address issues of sexual violence.
- Support the development of statewide, national and international partnerships to advance community responses to sexual violence.
- Initiate and/or support the development of local and statewide campaigns and resources.
- Identify systemic issues pertaining to the management of funded Sexual Assault Support and Prevention services and advocate with funding bodies where appropriate regarding program and policy.
- Regularly liaise with Queensland Health-based Sexual Assault Services in Queensland to develop and strengthen coordinated responses to recent victims/survivors of sexual assault.
- Provide representation and maintain links with key national and state-wide organisations.