Services

BRISSC provides individual and group support to women 15 years and over who have experienced sexual violence at any time in their lives. We use a feminist perspective when supporting women who have experienced violence. This comes from an understanding that violence against women is gendered, being perpetrated mostly by men against women and children.

We also provide information and support to the people who support survivors of sexual violence and education to the wider community. We engage in social action for the prevention of sexual violence.

Our service is open from 9am to 5pm Monday to Thursday and we operated a telephone support line between 9am to 1pm on these days. Our telephone support number is
3391 2573

Individual Support
Support Groups
Community Education
Library and Internet Facilities

See Support Groups and Community Education for activities happening in SEXUAL VIOLENCE AWARENESS MONTH

Individual Support

Women who have experienced sexual violence may access individual face to face and telephone support from an experienced sexual assault support worker (counsellor). We utilise a feminist philosophy of support that values women's experiences, women's truths, women's lives, and women's skills.

We also provide advocacy for women in a range of circumstances (e.g. giving statements to the police, negotiating legal and medical systems or dealing with mental health services).

Limited face to face support for people who are supporting a survivor of sexual violence is also available.

Telephone support, information and referral is available for callers to our support telephone line between 9am and 1pm Monday to Thursday.

Support Groups

We run regular support groups for women survivors of sexual violence. Fixed term groups follow a specific group program over a defined period of time (usually 8 – 10 weeks) and are closed (same group of women throughout the group). Workshop or ‘drop in’ group programs are usually held fortnightly and are open (women can join at anytime). These groups may have specific topics or activities (e.g. ‘Surviving the Legal System’ or Art workshops).

Our first fixed term support group for the first half of this year is now full. If you are interested in participating in a weekly support group in the future please contact us.

Child minding is available for women participating in BRISSC support groups.

Next 10 week fixed term support group commencing in September
This group is now full. If you would like to take part in a group at BRISSC or want more information please contact us.

Junk Music Workshops - Come and make some noise!
BRISSC is holding to Junk Music Workshops as part of Sexual Violence Awareness Month 2012.

What is Junk Music? It's the music you make from instruments made from recycled 'junk'. There will be 2 workshops. Workshop 1 will be for creating instruments and is being held on Tuesday 16 October, 5.30 - 7.30pm. Workshop 2, on Tuesday 23 October, will be a 'making music' workshop, and a chance to finish off any unfinished instruments.

There will be an opportunity for participants to be a part of a junk music band for Reclaim the Night on 26th of October, creating rhythm to march and dance to. Download the flyer here for more info or contact us to RSVP.

Community Education

Introduction to feminist support work with women who have experienced sexual violence
As part of Sexual Violence Awarenes Month BRISSC will be co-presenting a 2 day feminist support workshop in collaboration with Zig Zag Young Women's Resuource Centre and Nundah Community Centre. The workshop is being held at Nundah on Brisbanes northside for workers in Brisbane North based services in . The workshop provides an overview of feminist practice, including a gender analysis of the causes of sexual, family and domestic violence and refining and practicing the skills involved in responding to and supporting women who have been sexually assaulted. This workshop is aimed at women and workers who are interested in building their skills in support, working from a feminist framework and working with women who have experienced gender based violence.

Please contact BRISSC for more information

BRISSC conducts a range of community education activities which include:

• Information stalls at public events
• Workshops
• Workplace training
• Community development
• Public forums

If you would like BRISSC to provide a talk, workshop, training or information stall for your organisation/school please contact us.

Library and Internet Facility

The space at Women’s House, where BRISSC is located, has a women’s community library and internet facility available for use by women accessing services and from the wider community.

The library specialises in resources addressing violence against women and feminism.

We also have a number of internet connected computers available for women to use, free of charge.