Victims of sexual assault often walk through the doors of Laurel House feeling as if they are overreacting.
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They feel as if their problems are not as big or as dangerous as other people’s.
They compare the severity of their stories to what others have been through.
But as crisis worker Jacinta says, everyone has the right to feel safe, no matter how big or small they think their issues are.
“People think they’re overreacting but actually it’s a really normal response to a really abnormal situation,” Jacinta said.
“Your experience is valid and your reaction is valid and you’re not crazy.”
Laurel House is a community organisation based in Tasmania’s North and North-West, dedicated to helping victims of sexual violence, their families and their friends.
Up to 600 men, women and children can walk through their doors each year looking for support and guidance.
The organisation offers face-to-face and phone counselling, a crisis service, medical and legal support.
The people who enter the service come from a range of different backgrounds and have experienced a range of different difficulties throughout their life.
“These people have had a lot of their safety and choices taken away so one of the main things we try and facilitate is to give them their choice back,” Jacinta said.
“Sexual assault is any behaviour that makes someone feel uncomfortable.
“That might start with a wolf whistle, and that might end with a violent experience for someone.”
Senior counselor Nicole said there were no rules about what a perpetrator looked like, or what their life looked like from the outside.
“A perpetrator can be really obvious or they can be really charming to other people,” Nicole said.
“No matter who you are and no matter where you are, you have a right to be safe at all times.”
To contact Laurel House in the North of the state, during office hours phone 6334 2740, or for after-hours help call 1800 697 877.
