sexual harm coordinated support
What is Arch?
Arch is a safe place where you can get information and support if you are affected by sexual harm as a result of sexual violence.
At Arch, services and organisations that support people affected by sexual harm work together under the one roof to provide coordinated and collaborative, trauma-informed and victim-centred support.
The service providers at Arch are:
- Laurel House (at northern Arch) – counsellors
- Sexual Assault Support Service (at southern Arch) – counsellors
- Tasmania Police – specialist investigators (not in uniform)
- Family Violence Counselling and Support Service – Family Violence Workers
- Strong Families Safe Kids Advice and Referral Line – Child Safety and Wellbeing Workers
- Child Safety Service – Child Safety Officers
Who is Arch for?
Arch service providers offer information and support for children, young people and adults affected by sexual harm. We welcome people from all communities and backgrounds.
Arch is most suitable for people who will be engaging with two or more Arch service providers.
Whether the experience that caused you sexual harm is recent or happened a long time ago, we are here to help. You can bring a support person with you, such as a friend of family member or someone from an organisation.
You do not need a referral to come to Arch and you can come to Arch if you do not have permanent residency.
Arch services are free.
Sexual harm coordinated support
How to get help at Arch
Arch is located in Launceston and Hobart. Our standard opening hours are 9am-5pm weekdays and we are closed on public holidays.
Specialist police investigators are available outside these hours on 131 444 and crisis phone counselling, as well as support to attend a forensic medical examination, is available 24/7 on 1800 697 877.
To get our help you can:
We will listen to you and believe what you tell us. We will respect and support you.
Services at Arch
Any of the service providers at Arch will connect you to the right people. If you are not sure what you need, we can help by explaining what is available.
Services at Arch are free.
Arch is a safe, calm and welcoming place.
Safety at Arch
We want you to feel safe, comfortable and welcome at Arch. Please tell us the things that will help. For example, you can tell us your pronouns and any help you may need with communicating or accessibility. If there is something we need to do differently please let us know.
For your safety Arch buildings have security cameras and duress buttons.
Police are located in the building and will respond quickly if there is an emergency.
When you speak to someone at Arch, they will tell you the service provider they work for. A person will tell you if they are a police officer, as police at Arch are not in uniform.
Arch is only for people affected by sexual harm (and those supporting them). If police need to speak with somebody suspected of causing sexual harm they will not bring that person to Arch.
