Sexual Assault Service Delivery Models

Sexual assault service delivery models have recently been reviewed in Queensland (Australia) to identify gaps in service provision, examine cooperation and integration of key services, and provide options for an evidence-based service delivery model.

In Queensland, sexual assault services are currently provided by 19 specialist non government organisations, in coordination with police, medical, and other services. This is a networked service delivery model, whereby a victim of sexual assault presents at one of the main service providers and other services are linked in around the victim though a system of referrals.

The review proposes that Queensland shift to a co-located service delivery model. According to the review, co-located service delivery has emerged as the best practice model for providing integrated responses to victims of sexual assault. This is a one-stop shop approach where all services are provided in one location (Co-located models are used in the UK,USA, South Africa, and several other Australian States).

It is proposed that funding to non government sexual assault services be redirected to sexual assault hubs, which would provide forensic medical, judicial, counselling, and follow up services to all victims of recent and past sexual assault, including men, women, and children, from the one location.

The review can be found here: http://www.health.qld.gov.au/sexualassault/docs/KPMGreview.pdf

The Government has not yet responded to the recommendations, leaving the future of sexual assault services unclear.

For those who work in the sexual assault sector, I am curious about your experience with the service delivery model/s used?