The Board of Inquiry into historical child sexual abuse in Beaumaris Primary School and certain other government schools, and the ongoing work of ABC Investigations is enabling many victim/survivors to recognise the perpetrators of the sexual crimes committed against them as a child, access repressed memories of those crimes, and feel empowered to share their stories.
Quoting Paul Auchettl, LOUD fence Inc
"... when people tell their story, they're inhabiting the child that was affected. It's a dramatic thing for a person to do .. they're giving something of themselves in such a big way."
Safety and supports when the reconstruction occurs of the child's story of trauma is important, as this involves grief, mourning and often anger, for what was forever lost and stolen as a child.
We're hearing many stories of so many people feeling empowered to share their stories, including with the Board of Inquiry. We're also hearing how members of the Beaumaris Primary School community are wrapping their arms around victim/survivors and their families.
Sharing some information on supports available.
- The Board of Inquiry have employed specialists in supporting victim/survivors of childhood sexual abuse.
"The Board of Inquiry phone line is available to answer your questions about the Inquiry, including information on how to make a submission or register for a private session. Please note that submissions to the Inquiry cannot be made via the phone line.Available: 9am-5pm Monday to Friday.
Please note this number is not a crisis service."
Call (03) 8301 0102 - Sexual Assault Crisis Line phone: 1800 806 292
24-hour support, advocacy and crisis responses for people who have experienced sexual violence. -
Beyond Blue phone: 1300 22 4636
24-hour mental health support. -
Lifeline phone: 13 11 14
24-hour crisis support and suicide prevention. -
Bravehearts phone: 1800 272 831
Counselling and support for survivors of child sexual abuse from 8.30am to 4.30pm Monday to Friday. -
Blue Knot phone: 1300 657 380
Support for people who have experiences of complex trauma from 9.00am to 5.00pm Monday to Friday. -
If you need after-hours support, call the Sexual Assault Crisis Line (Victoria) on 1800 806 292.
- Suicide Call Back Service – 1300 659 467
24-hour crisis support and suicide prevention.
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National Survivors’ Day is on 14th November 2023, so ahead of that day we will be letting the principals / managers of the following locations know that people may wish to tie ribbons.
- Beaumaris Primary School
- Beaumaris North Primary School
- Sandringham College
- St Kilda Football Club, Danny Frawley Centre
- Haileybury College Brighton
- Haileybury College Keysborough
Please let us know of other local schools you'd like us to contact too.
Confirmation of their preferred locations for ribbons to be tied, to follow. Link to the Facebook event is
https://fb.me/e/6PlcfqJJJ
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Thank you to our supporters of the Beaumaris And Surrounding Communities - CSA Survivors And Families group and our petition. We are stronger together.