Our Services
Confidential counselling, information and advocacy
BSwS (Brisbane Southwest Support) is a free and feminist service for women and gender diverse people who are survivors of sexual violence.
We offer confidential counselling, information and advocacy for survivors of sexual violence as well as support groups, prevention education and training.
Ways we can help
Sexual violence support and counselling
We offer short to medium term individual support and counselling to young people (aged 12+), women, trans and gender diverse people who have experienced sexual or domestic violence at any time during their lives. Short to medium support is typically up to 12 months. We deliver feminist support, in a safe, confidential and empowering environment – free of charge.
Our support is based on the belief survivors have the right to:
- Be listened to, believed and supported
- Be treated with respect, dignity and understanding
- Deal with your own life, in your own way, at your own pace
- Choose who you disclose to and when
- Confidentiality and privacy
- Receive practical information including reporting, legal and medical options
- Interpreter and disability support
Our organisations can help:
Housing support
We provide housing support, advocacy and medium term supported accommodation to young women and gender diverse young people aged 16 to 25 years who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless.
We acknowledge the impacts of the current housing crisis and the extra barriers young people face in finding and keeping stable and safe housing. Zig Zag walks alongside women and gender diverse young people in their journey of finding and advocating for safe and secure housing.
Training and Education
We can attend schools, community groups, community events, tertiary education institutions, government and non-government organisations to provide education about domestic violence, sexual violence, community response to sexual violence, advocating for survivors, the law in Australia, and other topics as negotiated. We can provide information in different community languages and multicultural resources.
Some educational and training activities we are funded to provide, and others may incur a non-profit fee. Packages can be tailored for particular groups.
If you would like to discuss educational opportunities further, please contact us.
Your rights
When you access our service you have the following rights:
- to receive sensitive, respectful service that meets best practice standards regardless of social status, age, sexuality, race, ethnicity, religion or political belief
- to receive the services of an interpreter if requested
- to be assured of confidentiality at all times, within legal and ethical guidelines
- to clear, concise information regarding service delivery
- to give or withhold information
- to have access and amend your own file and personal information as per Privacy Act 2009
- to make a complaint about any concerns
- to have any concerns or complaints dealt with fairly, promptly and confidentially
- to receive information that is accurate, timely, relevant and easy to understand
- to be supported to make informed decisions
- to request that a support worker advocate for your rights on your behalf
- to have any information written about you in staff records kept securely locked away.
