The organisation also provides ongoing support and referral for support pertaining to the familiar issue of secondary victimisation of sexual assault victims when it approaches time for court appearances. The RCC states: “The NSW Rape Crisis Centre can give you information about what is likely to happen in court as well as support you in this time” (Theodoridis, 2009). They offer practical advice for the upcoming situation such as: building a support network which can include support workers and counsellors, friends and family members that can come to court along with you, looking after your health before the appearance, what to wear and bring to court, advice for victims with disabilities or require interpreters along with offering real-life recounts from others who have experienced court. The RCC also makes referral to The Witness Assistance Service, a part of the Department of Public Prosecutions (D.P.P.) who can offer an additional service to the victim such as explaining what their rights are, explaining what happens in court and help to prepare for court along with the offer to arrange for a support person to come to court with the victim. The RCC website does not make reference to their support or opposition towards ‘alternative’ restorative justice initiatives however they do make mention to the pressure that a victim may feel to report a sexual assault and to have the matter heard in court; their stance is made clear in their statement that “the [RCC] counsellor will support you in your decision, whatever it is” (Theodoridis, 2009).
The RCC makes specific emphasis on their continuing dedication to the support of women from varying ethnicities, religions, races and sexualities, they agree to offer: “a non-judgemental service” and “to have culture, class, age, ability and sexual preference respected” when being counselled (Theodoridis, 2009). The RCC have an aim to employ bilingual workers where available and make mention that they understand that clients of non-English-speaking backgrounds may have different understandings and expectations. They make mention on the website that they have specially trained counsellors that are sensitive to the needs of a woman from a non-English-speaking background; further they state the counsellors will “listen and believe you without judging you or your community and without trying to persuade you to do anything you don't feel comfortable with” (Theodoridis, 2009). Inclusive with these aims is the cultural understanding also for the Indigenous woman who may have been sexually assaulted. They acknowledge that rapes may occur as a result of racial hatred as well as a hatred of women and make emphasis that Indigenous women may be targeted because of their colour or cultural difference. The RCC also makes client referrals to specialist Aboriginal Police Liaison Officers within the N.S.W. Police who can help with explaining victims’ rights and assist with reporting the crime.
The RCC makes particular emphasis on the actuality that sexual assault can occur to any women regardless of the ideal victim concept of a victim being “someone young, innocent, out doing good deeds, being violated by the archetypal stranger” (Walklate, 2007, p.497). They make mention that any woman regardless of race, age, economic status, class, religion, occupation, education, physical ability, living alone or with others, or physical ‘attractiveness’ can be raped or sexually assaulted. They state on the website that they “ensure anyone who has experienced sexual violence has clear pathways and equitable access to services”. The plight of non-ideal victims has been further addressed on the website with factsheets specifically addressed to those from the ‘queer’ and transgender communities as well as those with mental health and disability issues ensuring them of their equitable access and respect within the service. The RCC attempts to address sexual assault victims from the ‘invisible victim’ category; including those who may have experienced victimisation through association of another crime victim (secondary victims) such as children who are witness to domestic violence and those who according to their actions may contribute causally to the crime in which they are a victim such as gang members, prisoners and sex workers (Fattah, 1986 & Walklate, 1989 as cited by Edgar & O’Donnell, 1998, p.635). They make brief reference to male victims within the prison system and sex-workers who have been assaulted in the course of their occupation. Minimal mention is also made towards children or family members of someone that has been sexually assaulted, simply stating that “it is important that they receive help and support too” (Theodoridis, 2009).
While it is evident that the RCC is the primary source of rape and sexual assault information and crisis support in N.S.W., there are however numerous other support programs which are available. These include but are not limited to: The Kids help Line, DOCS Domestic Violence Hotline, Victim’s Support Line and Lifeline.
Reference List
Cook, K & Jones, H 2007, ‘Surviving victimhood: the impact of feminist campaigns’, in S. Walklate (ed.) Handbook of victims and victimology, Willan Publishing, Devon, pp. 125-145.
Edgar, K & O’Donnell, I 1998, ‘Assault in prison: the victim’s’ contribution’, British Journal of Criminology, vol. 38, no.4, pp. 635-650.
Mezey, G & King, M 2000, ‘Preface to the second edition’, in G. Mezey & M. King (eds.) Male victims of sexual assault, second edition, Oxford University Press, Oxford, pp.V-Vii.
Spalek, B 2006, ‘Understanding victimisation: exploring harms’, in B. Spalek (ed.) Crime victims: theory, policy and practice, Palgrave Macmillan, Hampshire, pp. 68-91.
Theodoridis, H 2009, N.S.W. Rape Crisis Centre: working against sexual violence [webpage], N.S.W. Rape Crisis Centre, Drummoyne, viewed 5 June 2009, <http://www.nswrapecrisis.com.au>
Walklate, S 2007, Handbook of victims and victimology, Willan Publishing, Devon.
