About Laurel House

     

Our philosophy rests on the belief that sexual assault is an abuse of power and a betrayal of trust.  We believe that the abuser is always 100% responsible for the abuse and that most abusers are known by the people they abuse.  Sexual offenders are male in over 96% of cases of rape and 96.6% of other sexual offences (Victorian Law Reform Commission, VLRC, 2003: 65; ABS Women´s Safety Survey, 1996;) although women in a position of power and trust also abuse. 

We also believe that being sexually assaulted is a deeply distressing experience and always disempowering.  We acknowledge that the pain, problems and difficulties - both personal and social, which people may suffer as a result of being sexually abused, can influence their lives in many negative ways.  However, survivors can and do reclaim their lives back from the effects of sexual assault.

What can you expect from us?

Laurel House offers a number of different services to survivors of sexual violence in the 63 telephone district of Tasmania.  By survivors we mean any women, child, or man who has ever experienced any form of sexual abuse, rape or sexual harassment.  We also recognise the impact of sexual violence on the lives of those non-offending family members and partners of survivors.  For this reason these people are also the survivors and are eligible to access Laurel House services.

Services include:

-          24 hour crisis service for victims of immediate rape or sexual assault.
-          Medium - term counselling (face to face or by phone).
-          Support group programs for survivors.
-          Outreach to St Marys, St Helens, Scottsdale and George Town
-          Court support services including support through trial, victim Impact reports, Criminal Injuries    
           Compensation reports. information about court process.
-          Arrangement and support through police interview (at Laurel House or the police station)
-          Advocacy for survivors
-          Referral and information services
-          Support, supervision and information for professionals working with survivors of sexual assault
-          Library services
-          Community Education Programs to general community groups
-          Community Education Programs tailor-made to professionals in organizations on how to work with
            survivors of sexual assault.

Choice of workers - There are several counsellor/educators available and you can choose with whom you would like to work.  At any stage during your involvement with Laurel House you have the right to change counsellors.  However, there may be times when you will have to wait for the next available appointment for another counsellor.

Confidentiality - Laurel House takes confidentiality of your private information very seriously.  Any breach of your confidentiality by a counsellor or other Laurel House worker is a matter for disciplinary action against the worker.  The nature of sexual assault is that privacy and confidentiality are of priority importance to survivors.  We understand and support this need for privacy and confidentiality.  All workers are required to sign a contract with Laurel House stating their commitment and understanding of the ethics and policy of confidentiality.  We insist that your privacy and confidentiality is maintained.  However, if you disclose any of the areas listed below:

-    A child is or is at risk of being harmed/abused
-    You have started a suicide attempt
-    You intend to participate in any illegal activity

Workers are mandated to report to the necessary authorities.