About SVAM 2025

October is Sexual Violence Awareness Month in Queensland.

This month-long campaign raises awareness about the prevalence and impacts of sexual violence and highlights the importance of supporting victim-survivors. SVAM provides an opportunity for communities, organisations, and government to stand together to amplify the voices of survivors to prevent sexual violence in Queensland.

This Yearโ€™s Campaign: Together, We Can

This year, the theme for QSANโ€™s Sexual Violence Awareness Month campaign is Together, We Can. The theme highlights the power of collective action and shared responsibility in preventing sexual violence. It calls on communities to stand united in preventing sexual violence and supporting victim-survivors.

Over 60 victim-survivors participated in art workshops across Queensland, from Logan to Townsville and online, collectively coming together to produce powerful artwork reflecting the Sexual Violence Awareness Month theme: Together, We Can.

The campaign will run across four weekly sub-themes:

  1. Together, we can change โ€“ Challenging culture
  2. Together, we can act โ€“ Supporting survivors
  3. Together, we can rise โ€“ Rising with strength
  4. Together, we can โ€“ Creating lasting change to end sexual violence

QSAN would like to sincerely thank the Queensland Government for their support of SVAM 2025, and their commitment to support victim-survivors and prevent sexual violence in Queensland.

We also extend our gratitude to all QSAN services throughout Queensland for their contributions to this project.

In particular, QSAN would like to acknowledge the many victim-survivors of sexual violence who participated in SVAM workshops across the state: thank you for your strength and positivity in participating in these workshops and sharing your amazing art.

Resources

To help show your support during Sexual Violence Awareness Month, we encourage you to do any of the following:

  • Spread the word through your networks
  • Access and share the directory of QSAN services.
  • Share the QSAN SVAM campaign where appropriate
  • Participate in events and initiatives that promote awareness and prevention

You are welcome to use these images with the accompanying text and links back to the QSAN website.

Click here to download all social media resources (Word doc 3mb)

Week One

Outstretched hands below a tree with multi-coloured words together we can empower and heal

ยฉ Copyright retained by the artist.

Alternative text: Outstretched hands below a tree with multi-coloured words together we can empower and heal

Accompanying text:

TOGETHER, WE CAN CHANGE

October is Sexual Violence Awareness Month in Queensland. This yearโ€™s theme, Together, We Can calls on all of us to take collective action.

This week, our focus is the sub-theme โ€œTogether, we can changeโ€. Harmful attitudes, community norms and victim-blaming attitudes allow sexual violence to take place. Challenging culture is everyoneโ€™s responsibility, and every action counts in building safer, more respectful communitiesโ€”no matter how big or small.

If you wish to talk to someone about issues of sexual violence, please contact the national sexual violence helpline 1800 Respect 1800 737 732 (24/7) or contact a QSAN service at https://qsan.org.au/services/.

In an emergency, phone the police on Triple Zero (000).

ยฉ Copyright retained by the artist.
This project is funded by the Queensland Government.

#SVAM2025 #TogetherWeCan #ChallengingCulture #SexualViolencePrevention #SupportSurvivors #NoMore #StopSexualViolence

A person with their back to you holds a sign over their shoulders that says โ€˜No pride for some of us without liberation for all of us.โ€™

Tile 1

Alternative text: Text reads: Together, we can change. Prevention starts by challenging harmful behaviour

Text reads: Call it out. Say thatโ€™s not okay when you witness harmful behaviour. Check in. Quietly ask if someone affected is okay.

Tile 2

Alternative text: Text reads: Call it out. Say thatโ€™s not okay when you witness harmful behaviour. Check in. Quietly ask if someone affected is okay.

Text reads: Change it up. Redirect conversations or jokes if itโ€™s unsafe to confront directly.

Tile 3

Alternative text: Text reads: Change it up. Redirect conversations or jokes if itโ€™s unsafe to confront directly.

Text reads: Lead by example. Model respectful behaviour in your words and actions. Show that safety and respect are non-negotiable.

Tile 4

Alternative text: Text reads: Lead by example. Model respectful behaviour in your words and actions. Show that safety and respect are non-negotiable.

Accompanying text:

CHALLENGING HARMFUL BEHAVIOUR

Culture change starts in everyday moments.

Harmful behavioursโ€”like dismissing boundaries, laughing at sexist jokes, or blaming victimsโ€”may seem small, but they reinforce toxic culture.

Sexual violence affects people across all communities, but some are at higher risk:

๐Ÿšจ 1 in 3 women has experienced physical or sexual violence.

๐Ÿšจ People with disabilities experience higher rates of sexual violence, often from multiple perpetrators.

๐Ÿšจ Gender-diverse people face elevated risk and stigma.

๐Ÿšจ Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women statistically experience disproportionally high rates of sexual violence

Simple ways you can make a difference and help prevent sexual violence:

  • Call it out: Saying โ€œThatโ€™s not okay" can make someone stop and reflect.
  • Check in: Ask if the person affected is okay.
  • Change it up: Redirect unsafe conversations.
  • Lead by example: Model respectful behaviour.

Remember, challenging harmful behaviour isnโ€™t small. Itโ€™s how change happens.

If you wish to talk to someone about issues of sexual violence, please contact the national sexual violence helpline 1800 Respect 1800 737 732 (24/7) or contact a QSAN service at https://qsan.org.au/services/.

In an emergency, phone the police on Triple Zero (000).

This project is funded by the Queensland Government.
#SVAM2025 #TogetherWeCan #RisingWithStrength #SurvivorVoices #SexualViolencePrevention #SupportSurvivors #NoMore

Week Two

A blue ribbon around a yellow centre with a banner that says You are not alone. Surrounded by words like Healing and Strength, and a heart shape

ยฉ Copyright retained by the artist.

Alternative text: A blue ribbon around a yellow centre with a banner that says You are not alone, surrounded by words like Healing and Strength, and a heart shape

Accompanying text:

TOGETHER, WE CAN ACT

October is Sexual Violence Awareness Month in Queensland. This yearโ€™s theme, Together, We Can calls on communities to act in support of victim-survivors.

This week, our focus is the sub-theme โ€œTogether, we can actโ€. Supporting survivors is critical. Every time we believe and support a survivor, we help break the silence and strengthen the path toward change.

If you wish to talk to someone about issues of sexual violence, please contact the national sexual violence helpline 1800 Respect 1800 737 732 (24/7) or contact a QSAN service at https://qsan.org.au/services/.

In an emergency, phone the police on Triple Zero (000).

ยฉ Copyright retained by the artist.
This project is funded by the Queensland Government.

#SVAM2025 #TogetherWeCan #SupportingSurvivors #SexualViolenceAwareness #StopSexualViolence #NoMore #SurvivorVoices

Text reads: The bare minimum consent is an enthusiastic โ€œyesโ€

Tile 1

Alternative text: Text reads: Together, we can change. Prevention starts by challenging harmful behaviour

Tile reads: Consent must be enthusiastic and free from pressure or coercion, based on a shared understanding of what is being consented to. It must reflect the capacity of the individual and be actively expressed, ongoing and mutual.

Tile 2

Alternative text: Tile reads: Consent must be enthusiastic and free from pressure or coercion, based on a shared understanding of what is being consented to. It must reflect the capacity of the individual and be actively expressed, ongoing and mutual.

Text reads: Read the room. Listen actively. Ask clearly and often. Respect the answer unconditionally. Know that yes can change. Maybe or silence is not permission.

Tile 3

Alternative text: Text reads: Read the room. Listen actively. Ask clearly and often. Respect the answer unconditionally. Know that yes can change. Maybe or silence is not permission.

Text reads: Not sure? Check again. No can sound like a strong no, a polite no, Iโ€™m having second thoughts, Iโ€™m not sure, maybe another time, Not tonight.

Tile 4

Alternative text: Text reads: Not sure? Check again. No can sound like a strong no, a polite no, Iโ€™m having second thoughts, Iโ€™m not sure, maybe another time, Not tonight.

Text reads: No can look like silence, uncomfortable body language, gestures or expressions, inability to communicate consent (i.e. asleep or intoxicated)

Tile 5

Alternative text: Text reads: No can look like silence, uncomfortable body language, gestures or expressions, inability to communicate consent (i.e. asleep or intoxicated)

Accompanying text:

CONSENT

The way we communicate and practice consent can look different from person to person.

But the basic requirement for consent is the same for everyone: a clear, ongoing and enthusiastic โ€œyesโ€.

Consent should never be assumed. Not before, not during, and not because of something that happened in the past. Saying โ€œyesโ€ to one thing does not mean agreement for something else or for the future.

Unfortunately, harmful attitudes persist. A 2021 national survey on attitudes to violence against women found that 10% of people believe women often say โ€œnoโ€ when they actually mean โ€œyesโ€. Such is a dangerous misconception that can put people at serious risk.

๐Ÿ’ก Remember:

- Consent must be freely given, without pressure or coercion

- It must be informed, with a full understanding of what is being agreed to

- Silence, freezing or lack of resistance is not consent

- Consent can be withdrawn at any time

Affirmative consent is about respect, safety and choice for everyone.

If you wish to talk to someone about issues of sexual violence, please contact the national sexual violence helpline 1800 Respect 1800 737 732 (24/7) or contact a QSAN service at https://qsan.org.au/services/.

In an emergency, phone the police on Triple Zero (000).

This project is funded by the Queensland Government.
#SVAM2025 #TogetherWeCan #RisingWithStrength #SurvivorVoices #SexualViolencePrevention #SupportSurvivors #NoMore

6 painted river rocks on a wooden surface, each rock has a different message painted including No consent equals rape, Voice has power, No means no

Tile 1
ยฉ Copyright retained by the artists.

Alternative text: 6 painted river rocks on a wooden surface, each rock has a different message painted including No consent equals rape, Voice has power, No means no

7 painted river rocks on a wooden surface, each rock has a different message painted including It is not your fault, We are all in this together, You are enough

Tile 2
ยฉ Copyright retained by the artists.

Alternative text: 7 painted river rocks on a wooden surface, each rock has a different message painted including It is not your fault, We are all in this together, You are enough

5 painted river rocks on a wooden surface, each rock has a different message painted including You are not alone, My story matters, Its okay to not be okay

Tile 3
ยฉ Copyright retained by the artists.

Alternative text: 5 painted river rocks on a wooden surface, each rock has a different message painted including You are not alone, My story matters, Its okay to not be okay

Accompanying text:

TOGETHER, WE CAN ACT

(as above)

Week Three

A montage made of coloured and patterned feathers to form outstretched wings on either side of the words Together we can rise

ยฉ Copyright retained by the artist.

Alternative text: A montage made of coloured and patterned feathers to form outstretched wings on either side of the words Together we can rise

Accompanying text:

TOGETHER, WE CAN RISE

October is Sexual Violence Awareness Month in Queensland. This yearโ€™s theme, Together, We Can celebrates the resilience and courage of victim-survivors.

This week, our focus is the sub-theme โ€œTogether, we can riseโ€. Victim-survivors show extraordinary courage, resilience, and determination to be heard. But we can and must do better. By amplifying survivor voices and creative work, we honour the courage and determination it takes to overcome trauma and drive change.

If you wish to talk to someone about issues of sexual violence, please contact the national sexual violence helpline 1800 Respect 1800 737 732 (24/7) or contact a QSAN service at https://qsan.org.au/services/.

In an emergency, phone the police on Triple Zero (000).

ยฉ Copyright retained by the artist.
This project is funded by the Queensland Government.

#SVAM2025 #TogetherWeCan #RisingWithStrength #SurvivorVoices #SexualViolencePrevention #SupportSurvivors #NoMore

Text reads: How to respond if someone discloses sexual assault to you. You do not have to be an expert to provide support.

Alternative text: Text reads: How to respond if someone discloses sexual assault to you. You do not have to be an expert to provide support.

Accompanying text:

HOW TO RESPOND IF SOMEONE DISCLOSES SEXUAL ASSAULT TO YOU

If someone discloses sexual assault to you, it's ok to not know how to respond.

You do not need to be an expert to be able to support someone. By being a trusted person and listening, you are already helping.

Here are a few things to keep in mind when providing support:

๐Ÿฉตย  LISTEN

Listen with respect and patience; and without judgement, interruption or questions.

๐Ÿฉตย  BELIEVE

Trust what they are telling you. help them feel safe and comfortable.

๐Ÿฉตย  SUPPORT

Let them to make their own choices about what happens next when they are ready to, but offer practical help and let them know free, confidential and professional help is available.

There are specialist sexual assault and counselling support services throughout Queensland who can help people to heal. If you wish to talk to someone about issues of sexual violence, please, you can find a directory of specialist sexual assault services at the QSAN Services Page here:ย  http://bit.ly/41yv9jS

Alternatively, contact the national sexual violence helpline 1800 Respect 1800 737 732 (24/7).

In an emergency, phone the police on Triple Zero (000).

This project is funded by the Queensland Government.
#SVAM2025 #TogetherWeCan #RisingWithStrength #SurvivorVoices #SexualViolencePrevention #SupportSurvivors #NoMore

Hand drawing depicting scales with one side labeled power (legal icons) weighing more heavily than truth (a sad woman with uplifted arms). Below the scales is part of a crying face. To the right is the first part of the accompanying poem.

Tile 1
ยฉ Copyright retained by the artist.

Alternative text: Hand drawing depicting scales with one side labelled power (legal icons) weighing more heavily than truth (a sad woman with uplifted arms). Below the scales is part of a crying face. To the right is the first part of the accompanying poem.

Hand drawing depicting scales with one side labeled power (legal icons) weighing more heavily than truth (a sad woman with uplifted arms). Below the scales is part of a crying face. To the right is the second part of the accompanying poem.

Tile 2
ยฉ Copyright retained by the artist.

Alternative text: Hand drawing depicting scales with one side labelled power (legal icons) weighing more heavily than truth (a sad woman with uplifted arms). Below the scales is part of a crying face. To the right is the second part of the accompanying poem.

Hand drawing depicting scales with one side labeled power (legal icons) weighing more heavily than truth (a sad woman with uplifted arms). Below the scales is part of a crying face. To the right is the third part of the accompanying poem.

Tile 3
ยฉ Copyright retained by the artist.

Alternative text: Hand drawing depicting scales with one side labelled power (legal icons) weighing more heavily than truth (a sad woman with uplifted arms). Below the scales is part of a crying face. To the right is the third part of the accompanying poem.

Accompanying text:

TOGETHER, WE CAN RISE

(as above)

Poem: The Weight of Silence
Beneath the scales, I see the truth. He stands strong cloaked in money, degrees, and a mask of โ€œgood character,โ€ the criminal code pressed like armour to his chest. This vision makes clear one thing, there will be justice for none but him.
And me? I stand doubled a body split between ache and fire. Oneself: the child who still weeps, shaking beneath the weight of silence. A body untarnished but a soul marked by what was taken. The other: a woman built of scars and sinew, hauling a gavel vast as a cross, its weight biting deep into flesh.
They call this balance, due processโ€ฆ when my trauma is set against his reputation, when the shattering of my body and mind is measured against his future. This is justice, a system which impedes the very healing it claims to offer. Through my eyes, I am both fracture and flame.
Yes, I weep. Yes, I endure. And though the scales tilt heavy against me, I know this: together we can lift what one cannot, together we can shoulder the weight of the gavel, together we can forge a justice that believes, that restores, that heals.

Week Four

Bright coloured words Respect Support Kindness made up of sequins and surrounded by colourful stickers including hearts and smiley faces.

ยฉ Copyright retained by the artist.

Alternative text: Bright coloured words Respect Support Kindness made up of sequins and surrounded by colourful stickers including hearts and smiley faces.

On a blue background, painted arches in ochre, deep red and white with the words Together we can heal, help, engage, act listen.

ยฉ Copyright retained by the artist.

Alternative text: On a blue background, painted arches in ochre, deep red and white with the words Together we can heal, help, engage, act listen.

Accompanying text:

TOGETHER, WE CAN.

October is Sexual Violence Awareness Month in Queensland.

As the month concludes, we focus on creating lasting change. Ending sexual violence requires a collective action: changing attitudes, supporting survivors and amplifying their voices. Together, we can drive real change to build communities where respect, safety and justice for all are non-negotiable.

If you wish to talk to someone about issues of sexual violence, please contact the national sexual violence helpline 1800 Respect 1800 737 732 (24/7) or contact a QSAN service at https://qsan.org.au/services/

In an emergency, phone the police on Triple Zero (000).

ยฉ Copyright retained by the artist.
This project is funded by the Queensland Government.

#SVAM2025 #TogetherWeCan #EndSexualViolence #SupportSurvivors #SexualViolenceAwareness #NoMore #SurvivorVoices

Text reads: Specialist sexual assault services are here to help providing free, confidential and professional support whenever it is needed.

Alternative text: Text reads: Specialist sexual assault services are here to help providing free, confidential and professional support whenever it is needed.

Accompanying text:

WHAT IS A SPECIALIST SEXUAL SUPPORT SERVICE?

After experiencing sexual violence, it can feel daunting to know where to turn. Specialist sexual assault services provide a safe, supportive place to begin healing.

These inclusive and accessible services are free, confidential and led by trained professionals who understand the impacts of sexual violence.

They can offer:

๐Ÿฉต ย Counselling and emotional support

๐Ÿฉต ย Advocacy with health services, police or courts

๐Ÿฉต ย Safe spaces to process experiences at your own pace

๐Ÿฉตย  Information about rights and options

Specialist services work from a trauma-informed and empowerment-based approach. This means you are listened to, believed, and supported to make your own choices about what happens next.

No matter where you are in your journey, specialist sexual assault services are here to walk alongside you. If you wish to talk to someone about issues of sexual violence, please, you can find a directory of specialist sexual assault services at the QSAN Services Page here:ย  http://bit.ly/41yv9jS

Alternatively, contact the national sexual violence helpline 1800 Respect 1800 737 732 (24/7).

In an emergency, phone the police on Triple Zero (000).

This project is funded by the Queensland Government.
#SVAM2025 #TogetherWeCan #RisingWithStrength #SurvivorVoices #SexualViolencePrevention #SupportSurvivors #NoMore

Week Five

A canvas covered in a grid of multicoloured sequins that depict a teal bow with the words Together we can.

ยฉ Copyright retained by the artist.

Alternative text: A canvas covered in a grid of multicoloured sequins that depict a teal bow with the words Together we can.

Accompanying text:

TOGETHER, WE CAN.

October is Sexual Violence Awareness Month in Queensland.

As the month concludes, we focus on creating lasting change. Ending sexual violence requires a collective action: changing attitudes, supporting survivors and amplifying their voices. Together, we can drive real change to build communities where respect, safety and justice for all are non-negotiable.

If you wish to talk to someone about issues of sexual violence, please contact the national sexual violence helpline 1800 Respect 1800 737 732 (24/7) or contact a QSAN service at https://qsan.org.au/services/

In an emergency, phone the police on Triple Zero (000).

ยฉ Copyright retained by the artist.
This project is funded by the Queensland Government.

#SVAM2025 #TogetherWeCan #EndSexualViolence #SupportSurvivors #SexualViolenceAwareness #NoMore #SurvivorVoices

Accompanying text for all social media tiles with artwork:

October is Sexual Violence Awareness Month in Queensland. The month-long campaign is intended to raise awareness about the prevalence and impacts of sexual violence and support victim-survivors.

This year, our campaign theme is Together, We Can. It calls on all of usโ€”individuals, families, communities, and organisationsโ€”to act collectively to challenge cultural norms that support victim blaming, support victim-survivors, and create lasting change.

Over 60 victim-survivors participated in art workshops across Queensland, from Logan to Townsville and online, collectively coming together to produce powerful artwork reflecting the Sexual Violence Awareness Month theme: Together, We Can.

Throughout October, weโ€™ll address four parts of the Together, We Can movement:

  • Together, we can change โ€“ Challenging harmful behaviours
  • Together, we can act โ€“ Supporting victim-survivors
  • Together, we can rise โ€“ Rising with strength
  • Together, we can โ€“ Creating lasting change to end sexual violence

Join us this month to learn, reflect, and take action. Every voice counts.

If you wish to talk to someone about issues of sexual violence, please contact the national sexual violence helpline 1800 Respect 1800 737 732 (24/7) or a QSAN service at https://qsan.org.au/services/

In an emergency, phone the police on Triple Zero (000).

ยฉ Copyright retained by the artist.
This project is funded by the Queensland Government.

#SVAM2025 #TogetherWeCan #ChallengingCulture #SexualViolencePrevention #SupportSurvivors #NoMore #StopSexualViolence

 

Resources

Digital

Notepaper

Posters

 

 

Art book

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