In the light of Harvey Weinstein's second trial in L.A, the conversation about sexual abuse & the offenders is once again circling.
A topic that is deep, heavy & most people don't want to talk about from their own experiences or people they know. As I talked a bit about the trial on my social media, I had some very brave women reach out to me to share their stories of abuse & one of them was happy to come on the show to share her story.
The common theme with survivors is the enormous amount of pain they go through to be believed. People have no idea what a victim has to go through to be believed & what not believing them does to their long term self worth, mental health & overall quality of life. Sadly, 4 out of 6 adults would not believe a child or victim of sexual abuse if they came to them with a disclosure, and that is what this conversation is about today.
This is a highly sensitive topic & I encourage you if you are triggered to please reach out to 1800RESPECT, an anonymous hotline for anyone who has/is experiencing any form of abuse, seek support from your local Sexual Assault Service which are found at all major centres around Australia &/or reach out to your GP for a referral to a therapist who specialises in trauma & sexual abuse. Find someone who specialises because it is so different when it comes to how the support the victim & their family needs.
Please keep this conversation going. It is so important that there is more awareness around this. More women & children need to be believed.

STATS IN AUSTRALIA:
FOR CHILDREN: https://www.aihw.gov.au/getmedia/0375553f-0395-46cc-9574-d54c74fa601a/aihw-fdv-5.pdf.aspx?inline=true
FOR ADULTS: https://www.abs.gov.au/articles/sexual-violence-victimisation