Sexual Violence (SV) Awareness Month is held during October each year to:
raise community awareness about sexual violence
promote the support options available to people affected by sexual assault and sexual abuse
uphold a clear message that sexual violence will not be tolerated in our communities.
There is a role for everyone to make our communities safer and reduce the risk and incidence of sexual violence.
You can get involved in SV Awareness Month by downloading our free resources designed to be shared with your family, friend, workplaces and community groups, and community groups below.
SV Awareness Month Resources
Social media tiles and other promotional assets are available to help you raise awareness during Awareness Month.
Show your support for SV Awareness Month by hosting an event and registering the details on the Women's Safety and Violence Prevention community events calendar.
The calendar promotes events delivered by community organisations that help bring the community together and reinforce that violence is not acceptable in Queensland.
During the month, we encourage all Queenslanders to engage in open and honest conversations about sexual violence. We are encouraging the community to host events and activities to support victim-survivors and to encourage discussion around consent, respect, and bystander intervention.
If you have been impacted by sexual assault, rape or sexual violence, it is important to know there are a range of help and support options available. It is not your fault, and you are not to blame.
Everyone deserves to be safe from sexual violence. If you or someone you know has experienced sexual violence, help and support is available.
Queensland has introduced several new laws to better protect people from the threat and experience of sexual violence. These changes to the laws include moving to an affirmative model of consent and recognising ‘stealthing’ as a crime.
These new laws commenced on 23 September 2024 and apply to conduct that occurs after this date. Visit the Sexual violence laws in Queensland page for more information and downloadable resources.
Laws targeting sexual offences against children
Position of authority offence
From 20 September 2025, a new law took effect in Queensland to offer better protection for young people aged 16 or 17 years old from sexual exploitation by adults in positions of authority.
The new position of authority offence criminalises adults who use their influence, trust or power to abuse young people under their care supervision of authority.
This conduct is a serious breach of trust and, if convicted, offenders will face a maximum penalty of up to 14 years’ imprisonment.
We all deserve healthy relationships and positive sexual experiences based on mutual trust and respect. Talking about consent is a normal and necessary part of all positive sexual experiences. Learn more about sexual consent and check out our consent conversation starters.
