YOUR FIRST APPOINTMENT

As a survivor of sexual violence, you have the right to deal with your own life, in your own way, at your own pace. You have the right to:

• Be believed

• Be treated with respect and dignity

• Have a safe counselling environment

• Be accompanied by a support person

• Privacy and confidentiality

• Receive accurate and relevant information

• Seek and receive high-quality, empowering support

• Have culture, ethnic background, beliefs and sexuality respected

• Ask questions

• Refuse to have case notes recorded

• Access and amend your records

• Have the autonomy to make and change decisions

• Request a change in counsellor

• Make a complaint if not satisfied with the service

• Decide whether or not to proceed with legal action

• Take control of your healing journey

 

 

Client Responsibilities

Your rights are also accompanied by responsibilities, these include:

• To be considerate of the rights of others using the service –especially their right to confidentiality

• To be respectful to GCCASV staff members

• To let us know if our information or explanation has been difficult to understand

• To let us know if you are unable to keep an appointment

• To let us know of any special needs, e.g. needing to bring children to the service, having specific access requirements, or needing an interpreter etc.

• To attend appointments without being under the influence of alcohol or illicit drugs

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If you believe your rights have not been upheld you can make a complaint by speaking to a worker, or the Director or use the Compliments, Comments and Complaints form. You can also contact the Management Committee via PO Box 1924 Southport Q 4215 or the Department of Justice and Attorney General https://www.justice.qld.gov.au/about-us/contact/compliments-complaints

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Please note that the organisation does not discontinue or reduce services or take any recriminatory action in relation to a person who has made a complaint.