The Forensic Support Line is a specialist support telephone connecting people who have been impacted by The Commission of Inquiry into Forensic DNA Testing in Queensland with specialised therapeutic information, brief counselling, referral and support.
Forensic Support Line is a dedicated line, that can provide information and brief counselling about how the DNA Inquiry findings may affect the criminal justice outcomes for sexual violence cases that were reported to police during the periods identified by these inquiries. This is provided by specialist sexual assault counsellors.
Please call us if:
- You are a victim/survivor of sexual assault looking to better understand and navigate this new information regarding the DNA testing.
- If you have been made aware that your criminal justice journey was affected, and you are trying to process this information and its impact.
- You are a friend or family member of a victim/survivor.
If you have experienced sexual assault but do not think the DNA inquiry is relevant, we are here to help. Please contact our Sexual Assault Line on 1800 010 120.
The Commission of Inquiry Forensic DNA Testing in Queensland
Through two comprehensive Inquiries it has been identified that thousands of forensic DNA samples may not have been processed appropriately for major crimes which includes sexual violence and assault. This may have then impacted on the criminal justice outcome for these cases. In response the Queensland Government is leading a process where many of these samples may be retested. This is a complex process and will impact individuals and individual cases differently. More information about these inquires and related information can be found here:
- The Commission of Inquiry
The Commission of Inquiry into Forensic DNA Testing in Queensland (dnainquiry.qld.gov.au)
Commission of Inquiry to examine DNA Project 13 concerns (dnaproject13inquiry.qld.gov.au) - Queensland Police Service
QPS unit to review DNA files | QPS (police.qld.gov.au)
What does this mean for victim/survivors of sexual assault?
Firstly, we want all victim/survivors to know that we are here for you, we believe you, and we are on your side every step of the way. The experience of sexual assault has significant and enduring impacts on the individual and the criminal justice process is just as complex.
We understand this is an extremely difficult time for both victim/survivors of sexual assault and their loved ones. This Forensic Support Line is here to help you navigate through this incredibly challenging situation in a supportive and therapeutic manner.
Given the current situation we know that reaching out is an extremely brave thing to do. Our specialist counsellors are here to listen and support you through your own individual circumstance.
How you might feel
It’s important to remember that everyone responds differently and there is no right or wrong way to feel as a victim/survivor of sexual assault.
- Startled or on high alert
- Numb
- Angry
- Upset
- Unclean
- Alone
- Unsafe
- Like you can’t trust people anymore
