A safe place for victim-survivors of sexual violence to come forward and seek support.
Violence against anyone, in any form, is unacceptable, but the harm caused by family and sexual violence is particularly devastating.
What is Arch?
Arch is a new program to support children, young people and adults affected by sexual harm as a result of sexual violence.
The Tasmanian Government has partnered with Laurel House and the Sexual Assault Support Service to pilot a ‘multidisciplinary’ service delivery model to improve how we respond to people affected by sexual harm. Support services and organisations work together under the one roof to provide coordinated and collaborative, trauma-informed and victim-centred support.
This is the first time the model has operated in Tasmania to support people affected by sexual harm. The centres are called ‘Arch’ to represent the structured and coordinated approach.
The first two centres opened mid-2023, one in Launceston and the other in Hobart.
The Government has allocated $15.1 million for the pilot over two years. It is one important aspect of Tasmania’s Third Family and Sexual Violence Action Plan 2022-2027: Survivors at the Centre.
As the pilot progresses adjustments will be made to improve service delivery in response to feedback from clients and other stakeholders. Subject to a review and evaluation of the pilot, Arch will be progressively developed in other regions of the State.
Visit Arch online for information about:
- what you can expect at Arch
- the Arch service providers
- how to contact Arch
- where Arch is located
- safety at Arch.
How Arch is making a difference
Arch puts people affected by sexual harm as a result of sexual violence at the centre of service delivery. It addresses some of the barriers and challenges people have faced previously when attempting to navigate different services and systems.
Arch provides:
- A safe and welcoming space where people are supported to be themselves.
- Access to information, support and specialist police investigators at the one location in an immediate, clear and connected way.
- Opportunities for Arch service providers to build stronger relationships and enhance service delivery.
- A supportive environment to report sexual violence which may prevent further offences from occurring (including if a person chooses not to make a formal complaint).
- A supportive environment for evidence to be preserved which ensures that options are available to a victim-survivor in the future.
Find out more
Visit Arch online.
If you or someone you know is impacted by sexual violence, please call the state-wide Sexual Assault Crisis Line 24/7 on 1800 697 877.
If you or someone you know is impacted by family violence, please call the Family Violence Response and Referral Line 24/7 on 1800 633 937.
In an emergency, always call 000.