Senior counsellor Andrea Lockhart said Ballarat CASA had established special operating protocols to accommodate the increased reporting, which she said came as a result of media reports and community engagement. 

“We have been prioritising victims of abuse who are making contact with us as a result of the Victorian inquiry, as it can be very difficult for those people to wait after they have made the first contact,” she said. 

“Those people are seen almost immediately because we are aware of the sensitivity of this issue in the Ballarat region. We offer them the opportunity to talking about their experiences at their own pace, and allow them to remain in control of that process.”

Ms Lockhart said today’s first Ballarat hearing and the upcoming national royal commission into institutional abuse could add to the trauma of those people affected by sexual abuse. 

CASA offers free and confidential counselling and support for victim and survivors of sexual assault, with services available for women, men and children, and a 24 hour crisis care service also available. 

“Many of the people we see were silenced about their abuse as children, and by coming to us or other counselling they have the opportunity to break their silence and have their experiences validated,” Ms Lockhart said. 

If you or someone you know requires assistance, contact the Ballarat Centre Against Sexual Assault on 5320 3933