Date Rape

What is date rape?

Date rape is a form of sexual assault, and it is illegal. (See the section on Rape and Sexual Assault for more information).

Sexual intercourse without consent is rape regardless of whether you are with a boyfriend/girlfriend on a date or not. If you are under the influence of alcohol you may not be able to provide valid consent. If you are passed out, no-one should touch you in a sexual manner. Silence does not mean consent. (See more information about Consent).

If you ask your date to stop (even in the middle of things), and they don’t, it becomes rape. If this happens to you then you should call the police.  You can also contact a dedicated sexual assault support service in your area.

In most cases, perpetrators of sexual assault are known to the victim.

Sexual assault matters should be reported by calling the police on 000 in an emergency, or contacting your local police station.   For a non-emergency, you can call the Police Assistance Line on 13 1444, or Crime Stoppers on 1300 333 000.

You can also call 1800 RESPECT on 1800 737 732 from anywhere in Australia to speak with a counsellor for information or support, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Differences between states

Northern Territory

If you have been raped or sexually assaulted then you should report it to the police straight away, by calling 000.

You can contact the Sexual Assault Referral Centre for counselling and crisis response. SARC services are located:

  • Alice Springs, phone 08 8955 4500
  • Tennant Creek, phone 08 8962 4361
  • Katherine, phone 08 8973 8524
  • Darwin, phone 08 8922 6472

You may also wish to contact the Ruby Gaea Darwin Centre Against Rape Inc. on 08 8945 0155.

For legal advice following an experience of sexual assault you should contact the Central Australian Women’s Legal Service on 1800 684 055 for advice and assistance.

Depending on where you live, alternatively you could contact the Katherine Women’s Information and Legal Service on 08 8972 1712 or 1800 620 108; or the Top End Women’s Legal Service on 08 8982 3000 or 1800 234 441.

ACT

If you have been raped or sexually assaulted then you should report it to the police straight away by calling 000.

Contact Canberra Rape Crisis Centre for support, information or advocacy on 02 6247 2525, 7am to 11pm, 7 days a week.

Western Australia

If you have been raped or sexually assaulted then you should report it to the police straight away by calling 000.

Sexual assault matters should be reported to your local police station or by calling the police on 131 444. The Sexual Assault Squad can be contacted by telephone on 08 9428 1600.

The Sexual Assault Resource Centre also provides services to people who have been sexually assaulted or sexually abused. Services include a free 24 hour emergency service consisting of medical, forensic and supportive care and a free counselling service. The Sexual Assault Resource Centre can be contacted on the 24 hour emergency line 08 9340 1828 or free call from a land line 1800 199 888.

NSW

If you have been raped or sexually assaulted then you should report it to the police straight away by calling 000.

In NSW, contact the NSW Rape Crisis Centre for help.  You can call them directly by phoning 1800 424 017, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Victoria

If you have been raped or sexually assaulted then you should report it to the police straight away by calling 000.

In Victoria, if you have been raped or sexually assaulted you should report it to the police sexual offences and child abuse investigation team (SOCIT). You can find your local SOCIT unit here.

You should also contact the Victorian Centres Against Sexual Assault (CASA) – there are a number of centres in different areas throughout Victoria.

You can also contact the Sexual Assault Crisis Line.

South Australia

If you have been raped or sexually assaulted then you should report it to the police straight away by calling 000.

In South Australia, contact Yarrow Place Rape and Sexual Assault Service on 1800 817 421, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

1800RESPECT are a nationwide service providing counselling, information and support over the phone, 24 hours a day, seven day a week – call them on 1800 737 732. You can also chat online with a counsellor, or find services in your area who can help.

You can also get help from Women’s Legal Service SA – call them on 08 8221 5553.

Tasmania

If you have been raped or sexually assaulted then you should report it to the police straight away by calling 000.

In Tasmania, you can contact the Sexual Assault Support Service for help.  You can call them directly by phoning 03 6231 1817, 24 hours a day, seven days a week – they are based in Hobart, but can assist you wherever you are in Tasmania.

Queensland

If you have been raped or sexually assaulted then you should report it to the police straight away by calling 000.

The Statewide Sexual Assault Helpline provides services to people who have been sexually assaulted or sexually abused. This service is available 24 hours a day by calling 1800 811 811.