Peer support group for survivors

MEETINGS for survivors of sexual abuse are coming to Ballarat.

An initiative of Creswick’s Bloom Well-being and national organisation The Survivor Hub, the MeetUps program is supported by LOUD fence and will initially be held monthly.

Bloom Well-being’s clinical director Jemma Mathers will facilitate two groups: one for people over the age of 30, and another for those under 30.

“We are often asked to run groups for victim survivors, or for caregivers of people who support victim survivors, so this is the greatest option to collaborate with Survivor Hub, who are already running these groups across Australia,” she said.

“It’s going to be less of a professional therapeutic space, and more of a facilitated support group feel. The aim is for the groups to provide support for the other members there, and to normalise the impacts of sexual abuse.

“How does this show up for them in their relationship, or in intimacy, or how does this impact them when gaining employment?

“People might simply like to come along and not share any of those things, but share something they’re passionate about or interested in.

“It’s flexible. They’re still connecting with other people who’ve had similar experiences. We can meet people where they’re at.”

Ms Mathers said providing spaces where people can speak, and be heard, is essential.

“We know that sexual abuse often occurs in pockets of silence, and that silence further perpetuates the impacts of sexual abuse,” she said.

“There’s often shame that comes with these experiences, so by being able to be in a setting where others have had similar experiences, that hopefully helps to alleviate some of the shame, reduce the silence and the barriers to speak out and get support.”

LOUD fence founder Maureen Hatcher said the organisation is proud to be collaborating with Bloom Well-being and The Survivor Hub in supporting locals.

“This is something survivors have been asking for,” she said. “It is a great opportunity for survivors to talk and feel a sense of belonging.”

A statement from The Survivor Hub said their staff are honoured to bring the initiative to the region.

“The Ballarat community have always played such a leading role in holding to account perpetrators of child sexual abuse,” the statement said.

“There are survivors in Ballarat already connecting and advocating. We hope to provide them with another space where they can connect, ask questions and vent.”

Ms Mathers said Ballarat Centre Against Sexual Assault provides a free therapeutic service for victim-survivors of sexual assault, but there’s a huge wait list.

Even at Bloom Well-being, a private, three-clinician practice which specialises in trauma, abuse, family violence, childhood abuse and neglect, there is a five-to-six month wait list.

“Ballarat has one of the highest family violence rates, so there is such a great demand,” Ms Mathers said.

The under-30 group will initially meet on Monday, 15 May, and the over-30s are set for Monday, 19 June. Bookings can be made through The Survivor Hub at thesurvivorhub.org.au/about-meetups.

Organisers are seeking funding to offer the groups more regularly.

If you or anyone you know are dealing with issues resulting from sexual or physical abuse, help is available from CASA on 1800 806 292, Lifeline on 13 11 14, or 1800 Respect on 1800 737 732.