If you are at risk or need urgent medical assistance, call the WA Police Force on 000.
Reporting a Crime
You can find information on how to report various types of crimes, including online options on the WA Police Force Crime Reporting page.
This resource will guide you through the process and help you choose the method that you are most comfortable with.
Sexual offences
WA Government agencies are aware that reporting sexual abuse can be a stressful and overwhelming experience. Being well informed about what is involved in the reporting process can help you make decisions that are best for your situation.
It is your right to choose to report. No one can take that away from you.
Experienced investigators can explain all the available options to you, so that you can make an informed decision about what you want to do. Police understand that not everyone wants their incident to be formally investigated, but police do strongly encourage victim and witnesses to report all sexual abuse.
There are no timeframes on reporting sexual abuse. It can be reported years after the offence, and the investigative process can also be suspended and re-opened.
Reporting Options
If you are wanting to report current or historical sexual abuse, the WA Police Force Safe2Say platform enables you to anonymously report sexual crimes, including child abuse matters.
The unique nature of Safe2Say allows you to communicate anonymously with detectives via online messages by providing you with a confidential Report ID and PIN Code. For more information or to begin the reporting process, you can visit their website.
For other reporting options and support information, view the below resource or visit the Report sexual assault page provided by the WA Police Force.
Mental Health Supports
Show moreIf you have concerns about your own or someone else's safety or need urgent assistance, call 000.
Crisis support
If you’re feeling overwhelmed or in distress, crisis support services are available to assist. We encourage you to explore the resources provided below for immediate help during this challenging time:
Lifeline – 13 11 14
Lifeline offers 24/7 crisis support and suicide prevention services for people in emotional distress or who need someone to talk to.
13 Yarn – 13 92 76
13 YARN is a 24/7 national Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander crisis support line for mob who are feeling overwhelmed or having trouble coping.
QLife Living Proud – 1800 184 527
QLife provide anonymous and free LGBTQIA+ peer support and referral services for people wanting to talk about sexuality, identity, gender, bodies, feelings or relationships.
Mental Health Emergency Response Line (MHERL) – 1300 555 788
MHERL is a 24-hour telephone service for people in the Perth Metropolitan area experiencing a mental health crisis.
Mental Health Care Plan
You may wish to access mental health support to help you with any stress, anxiety, or trauma you may be experiencing.
You can speak to your GP about a Mental Health Care Plan as you may be eligible for up to 10 Medicare rebated sessions per year. Medicare may cover the full cost of appointments if a registered practitioner bulk bills; otherwise, it can cover part of the cost.
For those without a GP, HealthDirect or HotDoc can assist in finding one.
Family and Domestic Violence Support
Show moreThe Department of Justice offers a dedicated Family Violence Service to support you through court processes and provide essential information and referrals. For assistance, you can contact them directly on 1800 600 476 or FamilyViolenceService@justice.wa.gov.au
If you want to leave a family violence situation, you can find information and guidance on the YourToolKit website.
Additional information and services can also be found through the Centre for Women’s Safety and Wellbeing directory.
Crisis helplines are available if you or someone you know is experiencing family and domestic violence and needs urgent support:
1800RESPECT- 1800 73 77 32
- Support to people impacted by sexual assault, domestic or family violence and abuse.
Women’s Domestic Violence Helpline – 1800 007 339
- Provides 24/7 support for women experiencing family and domestic violence.
Men’s Domestic Violence Helpline – 1800 000 599
- Provides 24/7 support for men experiencing and/or perpetrating family and domestic.
Sexual Violence Support
Show moreIf you have experienced sexual assault and need immediate medical attention, please go to your nearest hospital emergency department, or call 000 for urgent assistance.
You can also contact the Sexual Assault Resource Centre (SARC) on 1800 199 888 for crisis medical services, forensic evidence collection and crisis counselling. All SARC services are confidential and free of charge and are available for people of all genders aged 13 years and above.
Crisis services for people under 13 years are provided by the Perth Children’s Hospital. They can be contacted by calling 61 8 6456 4300.
Additional information and services can also be found through the Centre for Women’s Safety and Wellbeing directory.
Court-based support
Show moreFor help with safety planning, lodging or renewing a Family Violence Restraining Order, and court support for family violence matters, please contact the Family Violence Service on 1800 600 476.
For assistance with counselling and support for current court matters, Victim Impact Statements, preparing for court and in-court support, please contact the Victim Support Service on 61 8 9425 2850 or 1800 818 988.
For help to prepare children for court, in-court support, and Victim Impact Statements, please contact the Child Witness Service on 61 8 9425 2850 or 1800 818 988.
Legal Assistance
Show moreAs a victim of crime in Western Australia, you are not required to hire a lawyer to represent you in court. This is because the prosecution of the accused person will be handled by either Police Prosecutions or the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions.
Police Prosecutions typically manage cases in the Magistrates Court, while the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions oversees matters in the District, Supreme and Children’s Courts.
However, if you would like more information about your rights, need assistance navigating the criminal justice system, or are considering a civil process such as Criminal Injuries Compensation, you may wish to seek legal advice.
If you cannot afford a private lawyer, you may be able to seek legal advice from:
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Services
Show moreThe services listed below offer assistance tailored to the specific needs of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, ensuring they receive the necessary support during difficult times:
Derbal Yerrigan Health Service - 1300 420 272
- Provides culturally appropriate healthcare to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in the Perth metropolitan area. Their services include general practice, mental health support, drug and alcohol services, and health promotion initiatives
Wungening Aboriginal Corporation – 61 8 9221 1411
- Delivers a range of services to Aboriginal people in Western Australia. Their programs focus on family support, housing assistance, and community development.
Yourgum Healing Services - 1800 469 371
- Provides culturally sensitive counselling and support for Aboriginal families facing various challenges, including family violence, mental health issues, and relationship difficulties.
Aboriginal Mediation Service - 1800 045 577
- Aims to assist and work alongside Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander individuals, groups, and communities in a culturally safe manner to resolve conflicts before they escalate to court action.
Aboriginal Legal Service - 1800 019 900
- Provides free legal assistance and advocacy for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people across Western Australia. They offer representation in criminal and civil matters, as well as legal advice and education on rights and responsibilities.
Multicultural Services
Show moreVictims of crime can come from diverse cultural backgrounds, each with unique experiences and needs. The services listed below are designed to provide support and resources to assist individuals during challenging times.
Multicultural Women’s Advocacy Service (MWAS) - 61 8 9328 1200
- MWAS is managed by LUMA and provides support and advocacy for women from diverse cultural backgrounds who are experiencing family violence and related issues. MWAS aims to empower women by offering confidential counselling, safety planning, and access to essential resources.
Ishar Multicultural Women’s Health Service - 61 8 9345 5335
- Ishar provides holistic services to women from all walks of life and cultural backgrounds. They focus on addressing the unique health needs of multicultural communities, ensuring that all women have access to the resources they need.
Multicultural Services Centre of WA - 61 8 9328 2699
- The Multicultural Service Centre of WA offers a wide range of services, including settlement support, community engagement, and advocacy, to help individuals navigate their new environment. Their programs are designed to empower clients and foster social inclusion, ensuring everyone has the resources they need to thrive in the community.
Kin Advocacy- 1800 659 921
- Formerly, the Ethnic Disability Advocacy Centre, this service aims to safeguard the rights of ethnic people with disabilities and their families. They provide advocacy services, information, and resources tailored to meet the unique needs of ethnic communities.
LGBTQIA+ Services
Show moreThe following organisations offer services designed to empower and assist individuals within the LGBTQIA+ community by creating a safe and inclusive environment:
QLife - 1800 184 527
- QLife provide anonymous and free LGBTQIA+ peer support and referral services for people wanting to talk about sexuality, identity, gender, bodies, feelings or relationships
Living Proud - 0481 085 215
- Living Provides provide a range of services, including peer support, resources for mental health and wellbeing, and community education. They focus on promoting acceptance and understanding of LGBTQIA+ issues within the broader community.
- TransFolk of WA focuses on advocacy and support for transgender and gender-diverse people.
GLBTI Rights in Ageing Inc (GRAI)
- GRAI advocates for the rights and wellbeing of older LGBTQIA+ individuals. They work to ensure that aged care services are inclusive and sensitive to the needs of LGBTQIA+ seniors.
Additional Resources
Show moreFor further guidance and support, explore the following resources:
- How to Report a Crime
- Family Violence Service Brochure
- Victim Support Service Brochure
- Court Counselling and Support Services
- Directory - Centre For Women's Safety and Wellbeing
More information
For general inquiries relating to compensation, you can also contact the Office of the Commissioner for Victims of Crime on:
Phone: 1800 214 655
Email: victims@justice.wa.gov.au