A new clinic in Toowoomba is giving sexual assault victim-survivors an additional option for accessing comprehensive and compassionate care.
Operated by the Sexual Assault Support Service (SASS) at the Baillie Henderson Hospital campus, the community-based clinic is the first of its kind in Queensland.
Offering counselling services and support as well as a psychosocial team who can provide reporting option information, SASS performs forensic examinations for those who have experienced sexual assault within the previous seven days, and counselling services for those who have experienced sexual assault within the previous two years.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who have experienced sexual assault will also be able to access culturally appropriate care through SASS.
Darling Downs Health Service Chief Executive Annette Scott PSM said the service would provide another option to presenting to the emergency department for those seeking help.
“This is part of our commitment to provide high quality, best practice, person-centred and trauma-informed care for people disclosing sexual assault and seeking care,” Ms Scott said.
“The new clinic creates an option for people wanting to access care in a lower stimulus environment and who do not require immediate medical attention.
"If they do need to be transferred to the emergency department, the clinical team can facilitate support."
Ms Scott said the clinic would be staffed by specialist nurses who had undergone extensive training, and would provide a safe space for people to be cared for.
SASS Clinical Nurse Consultant Forensic Coordinator Alena Kirkman said the clinic was open to anyone 14-years and above who had experienced sexual assault within the previous seven days.
“This clinic is about giving options to support access to compassionate care for people disclosing sexual assault,” Ms Kirkman said.
“Whatever option they choose, they can feel safe knowing their choice will be supported.”
Organisations including the Queensland Ambulance Service and the Queensland Police Service may refer people to the clinic, or individuals seeking help can self-refer or get advice by calling SASS on 4699 7000.
The clinic will operate from Monday to Friday, during business hours, however people seeking help at the clinic are encouraged to phone first.
People seeking help outside business hours are encouraged to present to their emergency department.