WestCASA – Responding to disclosures of sexual assault

The Western Region Centre Against Sexual Assault (WestCASA) aims to facilitate the recovery and healing of victim-survivors of sexual assault, and educate individuals on how they can play their part on making a safer community. Following this training, clinicians will be able to understand their role and responsibilities responding to disclosures of sexual assault, as well as reducing potential trauma, addressing concerns, educating on support options and boosting confidence to safely allow a victim-survivor to disclose.

• Do you know what to do or say when someone discloses sexual assault to you? 
• Are you aware of the prevalence of sexual assault? 
• Do you want to learn when and how to apply a trauma-informed approach? 

The Western Region Centre Against Sexual Assault (WestCASA) is a leading not-for-profit sexual assault counselling service operating in the western metropolitan region of Melbourne, the largest growth corridor in Australia. 

WestCASA’s responding to disclosures of sexual assault training aims to upskill, boost confidence and guide clinicians through receiving sexual assault disclosures. 

Topics covered include:

• Introduction to WestCASA
• What is sexual assault?
• Crisis Care Unit (CCU)
• Sexual Offences and Child-Abuse investigation team (SOCIT)
• Mandatory reporting
• Responding to disclosures
  • Believe
  • Support
  • Respond
  • Curious
• Helpful / unhelpful responses
• Vicarious trauma

Sensitively responding to disclosures of sexual assault is an essential part of primary and urgent care. This training will equip clinicians with the knowledge and tools to do this safely and effectively.

Learning outcomes:

• Describe the different types of sexual assault
• Identify presentations of sexual assault and demonstrate appropriate response strategies
• Explain the role of WestCASA’s services and the Crisis Care Unit (CCU) and referral options