Cade Lucas
Sexual assault is a traumatic experience for any victim, but it doesn’t always end with the incident itself.
Disclosing sexual assault to others can also be a source of trauma if not handled correctly, something the Western Region Centre Against Sexual Violence (Westcasa) and Victoria University (VU) are hoping to prevent.
The two organisations have entered into a partnership to deliver a range of training programs on how to respond to someone disclosing a sexual assault.
“That they feel safe, feel believed, that there’s no judgement and that the person who is supporting the victim survivor is able to offer avenues of referral and options to seek further professional assistance,“ said Westcasa’s Head of Operations Karen Woolford on what victim survivors disclosing sexual assault need and what participants in the training program would learn.
Ms Woolford added that the way people respond has a huge impact on victim survivor recovery.
“Studies have shown that the first three months post-sexual assault is the best time to elicit the best outcome in terms of recovery, but that first experience of disclosing sexual assault, how it is received, has a huge impact on their therapeutic recovery and their decision to access services.”
Given many sexual assault disclosures are about historical cases that are revealed years after they occurred, the training also covers how to respond to these cases, though Ms Woolford said the approach was similar.
“Even if it’s something that happened in childhood or a longtime ago, the disclosure and reception of that is still very important in the healing process.”
The partnership between Westcasa and VU continues a longstanding relationship between the two organisations which also includes free and confidential on-campus counselling for students and compliments the Respect. Now. Always campaign aimed at combating sexual assaults and sexual harassment in Australian universities.
While open to students, the half day training program is mostly aimed at staff and is hoped to one day be an annual requirement for all employees, similar to a first-aid course.
Victoria University students needing counselling or further information can call (03) 919 5400 or email student.counselling@vu.edu.au.
For 24-hour sexual assault crisis care, call 1800 806 292.
For emergencies call 000.
