VOICEUP Australia, an adult self-support group made up of individuals who are survivors of childhood sexual abuse and neglect, is organising a public event titled “Children Always Matter”.
This event will take place on Thursday 30 October, from 1pm to 3pm at the Cavanbah Centre, Coffs Harbour.
The event acknowledges 30 years of Blue Knot Foundation, the National Centre of Excellence for Complex Trauma, with all donations going to the charity.
“The event will recognise and resource safety and resilience for children, young people and families who disclose and/or are affected by sexual abuse,” VoiceUp Australia spokesperson Chris Marks told News Of The Area.
The program includes a panel discussion with representatives from NSW Police, the Department of Communities and Justice, Mid North Coast Local Health District partnered in a Joint Child Protection Response Program (JCPRP), and the Department of Education.
Aboriginal Trauma Specialist and Co-Facilitator of VoiceUp Australia Michelle Cowan, and Occupational Therapist Melanie Teale, explore the importance of space, body and mind awareness using sensory tools among children with complex trauma.
A panel of adult survivors of sexual abuse share their experience as children, describing how they were affected and what it meant for them and their behaviours at that time.
“Our event to celebrate Blue Knot Day is for the community to understand that all children deserve safety in our community, to trust others, and that they always deserve to be listened to and be supported,” Ms Marks said.
“Child sexual assault is still pervasive… only seven percent of assaults are by strangers.
“Come and hear from agencies charged with investigation and care of children and share conversations and afternoon tea with adult survivors and service providers.”
Casey Anthony has been attending VoiceUp meetings for the past three years.
“For me it’s been a huge part of my healing and selfcare living with my trauma,” she told NOTA.
“The VoiceUp group for me is a safe space with a community of people who accept and understand me, when at times you can feel so alone.
“Everyone attending has always been supportive, caring and respectful, we’re all on different journeys so having the support from people who know exactly how it feels to have lived through similar experiences has helped me on my healing journey.
“I’m truly thankful for the VoiceUp group and the facilitators,” she said.
For more information phone Chris on 0423133191 or email support@VoiceUpaustralia.com.au
VoiceUp has been facilitated by Coffs Harbour Neighbourhood Centre since 2013.
By Andrea FERRARI
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