Sexual abuse and sexual assault are among the most common and psychologically devastating forms of trauma. Recovery is possible — with the right, trauma-specialised support.
Our registered psychologists in Melbourne provide specialist trauma-informed treatment for sexual abuse survivors across four clinic locations and via Telehealth.
For 24/7 crisis support, contact 1800RESPECT (1800 737 732).
WorkCover, NDIS or TAC approved? YOU PAY NOTHING.
If your claim has been approved, we bill your funder directly. Zero out-of-pocket cost — no gap, no upfront payment, nothing.
Sexual abuse refers to any sexual contact or behaviour that occurs without the explicit and ongoing consent of all parties, or where consent cannot be given (for example, due to age, incapacity, or coercion). This includes childhood sexual abuse (CSA), adult sexual assault, sexual coercion within relationships, and online sexual exploitation (Australian Bureau of Statistics, 2023).
Sexual abuse can produce profound and lasting psychological effects:
Sexual trauma survivors commonly experience:
Approximately one in five Australian women and one in twenty men have experienced sexual assault since age 15 (Australian Bureau of Statistics, 2023). The majority never disclose to anyone.
Sexual trauma — particularly when repeated, in childhood, or by someone known to the survivor — often produces complex trauma responses that require careful, phased psychological treatment (Herman, 1992). Shame is a particularly central and treatment-relevant feature of sexual abuse trauma.
Effective treatment:
Trauma-focused CBT and EMDR are both recommended as first-line treatments for PTSD following sexual assault by international guidelines (Watkins et al., 2018).
Our psychologists provide trauma-informed, evidence-based treatment:
Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing processes traumatic memories — reducing their distress, vividness, and intrusive quality. EMDR is particularly suited to sexual trauma because it does not require detailed verbal recounting of events, making it more tolerable for many survivors (World Health Organization, 2013).
Addresses trauma-related beliefs (‘It was my fault’, ‘I am permanently damaged’, ‘I cannot be safe’), trauma-related avoidance, and intrusive symptoms. TF-CBT has strong evidence for PTSD following sexual assault in both adults and adolescents (Watkins et al., 2018).
Specifically targets the shame and self-blame that are central to most sexual abuse presentations. CFT builds a compassionate internal relationship — counteracting the self-punishment that trauma survivors often impose on themselves (Gilbert, 2010).
A structured, evidence-based trauma treatment that reduces PTSD symptoms through imaginal and in vivo exposure to trauma-related memories and avoided situations. PE has extensive evidence for sexual assault PTSD and is recommended by major international guidelines (Foa et al., 2019).
All treatment is conducted at your pace. You will never be pushed to address traumatic content before you are ready.
Your first appointment is a safe, confidential space. You do not need to disclose detailed information about your experience in the first session — we build trust before beginning trauma work.
Our psychologists are experienced in working with adult survivors of childhood sexual abuse and adults who have experienced recent sexual assault.
For medico-legal or court-related matters following sexual assault, we can provide appropriate documentation. Please advise at the time of booking.
We offer appointments in-clinic at our Mooroolbark, Wheelers Hill, Reservoir, and Melbourne CBD locations, as well as Telehealth sessions from anywhere in Australia.
WorkCover, NDIS or TAC approved? YOU PAY NOTHING.
If your claim has been approved, we bill your funder directly. Zero out-of-pocket cost — no gap, no upfront payment, nothing.
Is it normal to feel ashamed about what happened?
Yes — shame is one of the most common responses to sexual abuse, and it is one of the most important targets of treatment. Shame is a consequence of trauma, not an accurate reflection of your worth or responsibility. What happened to you was not your fault.
Do I have to describe what happened?
No. Evidence-based treatments including EMDR do not require detailed verbal accounts of what occurred. We will not push you to describe your experience in more detail than you choose.
Can I access Medicare rebates?
Yes. PTSD and related psychological conditions following sexual abuse are within the scope of Medicare-rebated psychological therapy via a Mental Health Care Plan.
What if the abuse happened a long time ago?
It is never too late to seek support. The effects of childhood sexual abuse can persist across decades. Effective treatment produces significant improvements regardless of when the abuse occurred.
What happened was not your fault. You deserve support that is safe, respectful, and effective.
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Australian Bureau of Statistics. (2023). Personal safety survey, Australia, 2021–22. ABS. https://www.abs.gov.au/statistics/people/crime-and-justice/personal-safety-australia/latest-release
Foa, E. B., Hembree, E. A., Cahill, S. P., Rauch, S. A. M., Riggs, D. S., Feeny, N. C., & Yadin, E. (2019). Randomized trial of prolonged exposure for posttraumatic stress disorder with and without cognitive restructuring: Outcome at academic and community clinics. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 73(5), 953–964. https://doi.org/10.1037/0022-006X.73.5.953
Gilbert, P. (2010). The compassionate mind: A new approach to life’s challenges. Constable & Robinson.
Herman, J. L. (1992). Trauma and recovery: The aftermath of violence — from domestic abuse to political terror. Basic Books.
Watkins, L. E., Sprang, K. R., & Rothbaum, B. O. (2018). Treating PTSD: A review of evidence-based psychotherapy interventions. Frontiers in Behavioral Neuroscience, 12, 258. https://doi.org/10.3389/fnbeh.2018.00258
World Health Organization. (2013). Guidelines for the management of conditions specifically related to stress. WHO Press.
