Sexual Violence faced by CALD communities: Barriers, Resources, and Support
Sexual violence is a serious and widespread issue that affects people across all ages, cultures, and communities. In Australia, one in five women and one in sixteen men have experienced sexual violence since the age of 15, according to national data. Yet, many survivors—especially those from Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) backgrounds—face unique challenges when it comes to speaking up or seeking support.
At Ashore Wellness, we believe that everyone deserves to feel safe, heard, and supported. This article aims to provide clear information on what constitutes sexual violence, highlight the common barriers faced by CALD community members, and outline the resources available in schools, universities, workplaces, and the broader community.
What is Sexual Violence? Understanding the Different Forms
Sexual violence includes a range of unwanted behaviours that violate a person’s right to feel safe and respected. It does not always involve physical force—it can also involve pressure, manipulation, threats, or violations of privacy and bodily autonomy. Below are common types of sexual violence:
Verbal Abuse
- Sexual jokes, comments, or threats that are unwanted and cause distress.
- Catcalling, sexual name-calling, or humiliating someone about their appearance or sexuality.
- Persistent sexual suggestions or innuendo that make someone uncomfortable.
Sexual Abuse
- Non-consensual sexual acts, including rape or attempted rape.
- Unwanted touching, kissing, or groping.
- Sexual coercion within intimate relationships or family settings.
Harassment and Stalking
- Repeated and unwanted contact, such as persistent messaging or following someone.
- Sexual harassment at school or in the workplace, including inappropriate touching, looks, or demands.
- Actions that cause the person to feel threatened or unsafe.
Reproductive Abuse
- Controlling someone’s decisions about contraception, pregnancy, or abortion.
- Tampering with or denying access to birth control.
- Forced pregnancy or sterilisation.
Image-Based Abuse
- Sharing or threatening to share sexual or intimate images without consent.
- Coercing someone into sending explicit content.
- Distributing such material online, including through social media and private messaging.
Barriers to Seeking Help in CALD Communities
For many CALD survivors, seeking help is not just difficult—it may feel impossible.
Some common barriers include:
- Cultural stigma or shame around sexuality and family honour. Risk of “loosing face”.
- Fear of not being believed or being judged due to language barriers or cultural background.
- Dependency on visa-holding partners, which can lead to fear of deportation or losing immigration status.
- Limited knowledge of legal rights and available services.
- Distrust in institutions such as police or government due to past experiences in home countries.
- Lack of culturally safe support, where services do not reflect the person’s language or cultural norms.
- LGBTQ+ CALD individuals face double stigma and isolation, making it even harder to find safe spaces to speak.
Where to Seek Support: Available Resources
In the Community
1800RESPECT
A free 24/7 national service offering counselling and referrals
Phone: 1800 737 732, www.1800respect.org.au , You can ask for an interpreter.
The Sexual Assault Crisis Lines Victoria (SACL)
Provides Telephone crisis counselling support, information, advocacy and referral
Phone: 1800 806 292, Brochure in different language available on https://www.sacl.com.au/ including languages in Arabic, Chinese, Filipino, Japanese, Khmer, Russian, Spanish, Turkish, Urdu, and Vietnamese.
In Schools and Universities
On-campus wellbeing services
Most universities provide confidential support services for students, commonly known as Safer Community Unit.
Consent education programs
Increasingly available in both schools and tertiary settings
Student Unions or International Student Offices
May offer advocacy and culturally aware guidance
In the Workplace
WorkSafe Victoria
Supporting Victorian employees, WorkSafe Victoria can help you for all matters related to workplace health and safety, including sexual harassment.
More information, available in English and other languages including Arabic, Chinese, Malay, Punjabi, Sinhalese, and Tamil, can be found here – https://www.worksafe.vic.gov.au/work-related-sexual-harassment-know-your-rights . You can also ask for interpreter by calling 131450, and ask to connect to WorkSafe Victoria to access their support in your language.
Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs)
Many workplace offer external confidential counselling funded by employers, to support employees explore ways to navigate complex relationships.
Workplace harassment policies
Staff can report incidents through HR channels if they feel safe to do so.
How Ashore Wellness Can Help
At Ashore Wellness, we understand the deep emotional and cultural layers involved in experiencing sexual violence. We offer:
-
- Trauma-informed counselling in English and Mandarin Chinese.
- Culturally sensitive support that respects your background, values, and identity.
- Private and confidential sessions, in person at our Moonee Ponds office, via telehealth, or through home visits.
- Assistance with referrals or reports for visa support, university special considerations, or assessment reports for legal purposes.
- Support for secondary survivors such as family members or partners who need guidance.
- We create a non-judgmental space for you to feel safe, heard, and empowered in your healing journey.
You Are Not Alone!
Experiencing or witnessing sexual violence can leave lasting impacts on mental and emotional wellbeing. Reaching out for support is not a sign of weakness—it is a courageous and important first step. Whether you are seeking help for yourself or supporting someone you care about, know that support is available.
If you are part of the CALD community and need a space that understands your cultural experience, we welcome you to get in touch with us at Ashore Wellness. You are not alone, and healing is possible.
Contact Ashore Wellness
Get in touch with us to find out how we can help.
