Abuse Victims: Being Listened To, Believed, Vital

By Andria Cozza
Melton Weekly
January 15, 2013

http://www.meltonweekly.com.au/story/1234479/abuse-victims-being-listened-to-believed-vital/?cs=1476

A FREE counselling service is encouraging survivors to seek help following the announcement of a Royal Commission into child sexual abuse.

Western Region Centre Against Sexual Assault CEO Jane Vanderstoel said it could be more difficult for survivors to manage their symptoms because of constant reminders in the media and public discussion of abuse.

"Victims may find themselves experiencing nightmares, flashbacks, an inability to sleep, intrusive thoughts and issues with trust and intimacy," she said.

"Many have tried to forget their experiences of sexual assault as children. With the issue being raised . . . some survivors no longer wish to keep their experiences hidden."

Ms Vanderstoel said counselling was invaluable. "The value is, in the first place, being believed and understanding that the fault is not theirs.

"The service helps them understand more about the impact of sexual assault in their lives." Western Region Centre Against Sexual Assault (CASA) provides outreach services for people across Melton, Wyndham, Brimbank, Hobsons Bay and Maribyrnong. Ballarat CASA provides a service to Bacchus Marsh residents.

Ms Vanderstoel said further investment was needed to meet the demand of residents seeking professional counselling.

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She said a multi-disciplinary centre, such as the ones announced for Gippsland and Bendigo in last year's state budget, was a long-term goal for the western region.

"We would like to see that sort of model in the west, for children and adults. The model, where police, child protection and other agencies are co-located, has shown to increase reporting."

The centre's free counselling service is open to both men and women.

Contact can be made through an intake counsellor who is available weekdays from 1-4.30pm. For assistance, phone 9687 5811.