WestCASA provides specialist, trauma informed counselling and advocacy for victim/survivors of sexual violence 12 years and older.

We support victim/survivors of childhood (historical) sexual abuse and recent sexual assault.

WestCASA counselling can:

• Help you deal with your feelings about what has happened and any concerns or problems you may have because of the assault.

• Inform you about common difficulties people experience after an assault and how to manage these.

• Inform you about your legal options, should you choose to seek legal support.

• Assist with the legal process such as liaising with police, preparing to be a witness and organising support for you in court.

• Referrals to doctors who are sensitive to the needs of someone who has been sexually assaulted.

• Listen, believe and support you.

Eligibility and Referral Process

Sexual assault victim/survivors of any gender, ages 12 years and over, their families, partners and friends. If you live and work in any of these Local Government Areas (LGAs): Maribyrnong, Hobsons Bay, Wyndham, Melton and Brimbank, you can access WestCASA.

Outside of these areas you may be supported by different CASA.

We have a two-stage referral process.

1. WestCASA is a self-referral service. You can contact us during business hours on
   (03) 9216 0444.
   The Intake Worker will gather some basic information such as name, address, and the reason for seeking counselling at this time.
2. A face-to-face Intake Appointment will then be arranged.

An assessment is made about the current circumstances, safety and support needs and whether this service is the best fit. You can choose to bring a support person along to the appointment.

If you are assessed as suitable for the service, you will be placed on a waiting list.

We understand that making this first contact can be very difficult for some people and it may be easier to have someone else assist with this process.

In this instance, we are happy to first speak to friends, family members or professionals about a facilitated referral process. This may involve us first speaking to the referrer about your circumstances and then assisting them to facilitate the first contact with our service.

Our intake workers can be contacted on Monday to Friday between 9.30 am and 4.30 pm.

Do you need an Interpreter? 

Victim/survivors who don’t speak English can access our service through the use of both telephone and face to face interpreters. 

For ongoing counselling sessions, a face to face interpreter is preferred. WestCASA promotes a gender-sensitive response by using female interpreters for all female clients. Interpreters are bound by the same rules of confidentiality as the Counsellor/Advocates. 

You can call us, and we will arrange an interpreter for your service access.