Wednesday, 17 July 2019
A local therapy program for adult survivors of childhood sexual abuse has been extended in an effort to address the growing demand for specialist services in the Hunter.
The extension of the nine-week program by Hunter Women’s Centre, enabled by a $22,000 grant from Newcastle Permanent Charitable Foundation, aims to reduce trauma and improve the overall health and wellbeing outcomes for victims.
Clinical counsellor for the Hunter Women’s Centre, Sue Collins, said the recent heightened focus on childhood sexual abuse through the Royal Commission, and The Newcastle Herald’s campaign that helped to initiate the Royal Commission, has highlighted the need for more support services as well as also triggering a number of historical cases in the Hunter.
Survivors of child sexual abuse face a complex set of challenges throughout their lives which is often compounded by a lack of appropriate high quality psychological care and barriers when seeking services and support.
Currently, victims of child sexual abuse can be placed on waitlists for up to 12 months for counselling services based on NSW Heath state-wide policy and guidelines.
We’re so grateful to Newcastle Permanent Charitable Foundation for choosing to fund this program which will provide victims with a safe space to talk and learn new strategies and techniques to help overcome their trauma,” Sue said.
Newcastle Permanent Charitable Foundation Chair, Phil Neat, said the Charitable Foundation was proud to support the much needed program for women in the Hunter.
The Newcastle Permanent Charitable Foundation’s mission is to improve health and wellbeing outcomes for people who are disadvantaged, isolated and vulnerable within our community.
This local program supports people in our community who are both vulnerable and marginalised, and without support can become severely isolated. I commend the Hunter Women’s Centre for its dedication and commitment to providing support to these people, who by no fault of theirs have endured terrible trauma,” Phil said.
Applications for the program are now open for all women affected by past institutional or non-institutional sexual abuse as children. For more information on the program or to register interest please phone Hunter Women’s Centre on 02 4968 2511. Please note your call is not a commitment for attending and your inquiry will remain confidential.
About Hunter Women’s Centre
Hunter Women’s Centre is a non-government, not-for-profit, community based organisation which provides a range of services with aim to improve the health and wellbeing of women in the Hunter. The centre is run by women for women, and has been operating for over 40 years delivering a range of services including counselling, groups, workshops, advocacy, referrals and outreach.