Sexual Abuse Counselling Service (SACS)

The Sexual Abuse Counselling Service (SACS)

The Sexual Abuse Counselling Service (SACS) is a program designed to provide individual, centre-based and outreach counselling to children and young people. This program is available to children and young people who have experienced sexual abuse and/or who exhibit sexually reactive behaviour and their protective parents and carers.

The program is funded by the Department of Child Safety, Youth and Women and only takes referrals from Child Safety Services. The Southern Queensland service is an outreach model while the Townsville service provides both centre-based and outreach support.

How we help

We help children and young people understand that what happened wasn’t their fault, and work with them on ways that they can reclaim their physical and emotional space and confidence, and empower them to act protectively.

Goals often include:

lessening the negative impacts of their sexual abuse experience

encouraging open communication within the family

equipping parents or carers to support the child involved

improving the child’s and the parent’s ability to create a safe environment

addressing sexually reactive behaviour

We meet with families where they feel most comfortable. It’s usually in their home, a meeting room or school; at a time that best suits. Download the brochure for more information.

Referral

A young person (18 years or under) who has experience unwanted sexual contact.

A child (12 years or under) who displays early problematic or reactive sexual behaviours.

A parent or carer who requires information about supporting a child impacted by sexual abuse or trauma.

A young person who has experienced non-sexual trauma and needs support to work through their experiences.

In South Queensland, this is an outreach service available to children and families living in the Wynnum, Beenleigh and Redlands Bay regions. A referral from Bayside or Beenleigh Child Safety Services is required for this program. It is not necessary for Child Safety to be involved after the referral is made. For more information about this process please call (07) 5656 8600.

In North Queensland, the Townsville service provides both centre-based and outreach support. A referral from Child Safety Services is required for this program. For more information please call (07) 4755 8777.

Our success stories

Luke’s Story

Luke, aged four, was found alone in an empty room at home. He had been horrendously neglected and could barely speak.

Read Luke’s Story

Jessica’s Story

When mum got drunk, Jessica, aged three, would hide for hours in a darkened stairwell to try and avoid being beaten.

Read Jessica’s Story

Thomas’ Story

At three years old Thomas could barely walk or speak, and his body was covered in scratches.

Read Thomas’ Story

Lacey-Jane’s Story

Neglected and scared, four-and-a-half year old Lacey-Jane began running away from prep school.

Read Lacey-Jane’s Story

Dean’s Story

Burned with cigarettes, bitten and sexually abused by multiple adults, physically abused and neglected by his mum, Dean was taken into care at six years old.

Read Dean’s Story