By Sofia Matthews
Southern Downs residents are being encouraged to take a stand against sexual violence in our community this October as part of Sexual Violence Awareness Month.
Queensland Sexual Violence Awareness Month (SVAM) is held each October to raise community awareness about sexual violence, promote the support of people affected by sexual violence, and advocate for the end of sexual violence in our community.
Sexual violence is defined by any form of unwanted or forced sexual behaviour or act toward another, regardless of age or gender, that occur without consent.
Sexual violence can have long-lasting impacts on the health and wellbeing of victim-survivors, and trauma can have a ripple effect on their families, supporters and the community.
The Domestic Violence Action Centre (DVAC) is holding a practice forum this October for professionals in the Ipswich community to help improve responses to survivors of sexual violence, reduce re-traumatisation, promote trauma-informed care, and enhance the communities’ skills in supporting survivors of sexual violence. They will also be running extra workshops with victim-survivors around expressive therapy and mindfulness self care as an additional support.
DVAC chief executive officer Amie Carrington said everyone can make a difference to end sexual violence and support victims to heal.
“The power of listening without judgement and believing someone when they share their experience can be transformative for a victims experience on their healing journey. This is a simple act that we can all do in our daily life,“ Ms Carrington said.
Ms Carrington suggests following Queensland Sexual Assault Network (QSAN)’s three steps on how to support someone if they disclose sexual assault.
These are:
Listen
Listen carefully to what the person is saying. Let them speak at their own pace, and reveal as much information as they’re comfortable sharing. Try not to interrupt or ask lots of questions as the person may feel like they’re being interrogated. You don’t need to know all the details, try not to ask for more information about the actual events than is volunteered.
Stay Calm
Stay calm and present. Try to focus on how the person is feeling. Try not to allow your own feelings (e.g. shock horror, anger, outrage, sadness or disgust) stop you from offering your support. The survivor could misinterpret expression of these feelings as a rejection of them or support for a belief that sexual abuse is a shameful or disgusting topic that they shouldn’t be mentioning.
Believing
It can be extremely difficult for survivors to come forward and share their story. They may feel ashamed, fear they won’t be believed, or worried they may be blamed. Leave any “why“ questions or investigations to the experts – your job is to support this person. Be careful not to interpret calmness or a lack of visible distress as a sign that the event didn’t occur. Everyone responds to traumatic events differently. The best thing you can do is believe them.
For more resources on sexual violence, visit qsan.org.au
To learn more about DVAC and available support, visit dvac.org.au
