Say It Out Loud is a digital support hub produced by Australian sexuality and gender diverse health organisation ACON. It's designed specifically for the queer community first launched as a NSW-specific site in 2017. It received funding in 2019 for a nationwide expansion for its launch in 2020.
The site provides comprehensive and inclusive information for LGBTQIA+ communities around the country affected by domestic and family violence, and sexual assault. It focuses on building healthy relationships and features tips, assessment tools, safety planning measures, videos, personal stories and other support resources.
The platform has been developed in partnership with a range of specialist services in every state and territory. The organisations are:
· New South Wales: ACON
· Western Australia: The Women’s Council for Domestic and Family Violence Services (WCDFVS)
· Tasmania: Sexual Assault Support Service (SASS)
· Northern Territory: YWCA Australia (YWCA)
· Queensland: DVConnect
· South Australia: Women’s Safety Services SA (WSSSA)
· Australian Capital Territory: The Domestic Violence Crisis Service (DVCS)
· Victoria: Kara House and Thorne Harbour Health
“Up until now, there has been no national website that specifically spoke to LGBTQIA+ Australians about their relationships,” ACON CEO Nicolas Parkhill says. “Our data showed that more than half of Australian visitors to the NSW website were from outside the state, highlighting the need for locally specific information, content and referral links for community members across Australia.”
“We thank the many sexual assault and domestic violence support organisations from around the country for their partnership and collaboration. Their expertise, knowledge and networks in their respective states and territories will provide LGBTQIA+ community members with the relevant information and support they need.”
