FAQ
Frequently asked questions
If you have reason to believe that your male partner is having sex with other men, their sexuality is changing, or their sexual behaviour is changing, and you live in NSW, you can contact our counsellors to see if this is the right service for you.
Some men do eventually identify as gay, some men identify as bisexual & some men identify as heterosexual but engage in same sex sexual behaviour. It is dependent on the individual & not one identity suits all. Sexuality can be fluid and, for some people, can change over their lifetime. Sexual attraction and sexual behaviour can also be different to and sexuality can be expressed in different and changing ways.
Yes, there are many women whose male partner is having sex with men, it is not uncommon. Women Partners run support groups where you can connect to women going through a similar experience as yourself.
Women Partners counsellors are here to help you navigate your specific life circumstance, and what is best for you and your relationship. There are many possibilities for relationships, and only you can know what the right outcome for you and your relationship is.
Every couple has their own individual journey. Some stay together as a couple, some explore open relationships & some decide its best to separate. The counsellors at Women Partners can help you explore what may work for you.
PrEP is a medication taken daily to prevent HIV transmission, which could mean that your partner is having sexual contact with others, and they are trying to prevent acquiring HIV. Finding medication can be confusing& upsetting. Women Partners counsellors can help you navigate the emotional reaction to this, however for your own sexual health it is best you arrange an STI test for yourself. If you do not have a regular GP that you can go to for testing, you can contact the Sexual Health Information Link and they can support you finding a testing location near by you.
Yes, you can be. Any sexual behaviour carries sexual health risks, Many STIs are symptom free, so it is always best to get tested. Please refer to our Health page for more detailed information on STI/HIV, Sexual Health Clinic details where STI testing is free even without Medicare, and how Women Partners can support you in this.
Sexual Health Clinics are safe & discreet places to get tested for STIs. Calling to make a booking is always best practice, and Women Partners have found that women who use this script “My partner is having sex with other men, and with me”, have an easier time making a booking at a Sexual Health Clinic.
It depends on the age of the children and the circumstances. If you decide to separate & your children are still young & living with you, it is best to tell the children together& tell them they are loved, however mum & dad are no longer together as a couple. A conversation with a therapist may help assist you with the process.
No, there is nothing wrong with you as a woman. You are not responsible for another person's behaviour, actions or how they identify.
No, you can self-refer. Get in touch via the Contact Us form and see how we can help.
There are no limits to Women Partners counselling sessions. Some clients find they only need one or two sessions, some return months later and some benefit from longer-term support. You and your counsellor can work together to identify what’s best for you
No, we provide counselling to women only, however we can support referrals for couple’s counselling, if requested.
Women Partners counselling is free, as it is funded by NSW Health.
Women Partners does not provide emergency or crisis counselling. Please contact your nearest emergency service if you are in need of crisis support or contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 or Beyond Blue on 1300 22 4636 for 24/7 counselling support.
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Please do let the Women Partner counsellor know if you would like an urgent appointment, and we will do our best to fit you in with available appointments.
Please provide a 24-hour notice if you are not able to attend the appointment.
We are only funded to provide counselling for women who live in NSW. For those who live in other states or territories, you can ask your doctor for a Mental Health Care Plan and find a local counsellor who understands sexuality and relationships.
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For peer support you can contact https://ourpath.org/ or https://straightpartnersanonymous.com/.