Recently the National Centre for Action on Child Sexual Abuse (the National Centre) commissioned the Gendered Violence Research Network at the University of New South Wales (UNSW) and Blue Knot Foundation to undertake a rapid evidence review. The review sought evidence about effectiveness of different interventions in treating adult survivors of child sexual abuse who are assessed or self-identify as experiencing complex trauma or complex posttraumatic stress disorder, including those from diverse populations. You can read the recently published Knowledge Summary by clicking on the title below.

Interventions for adult survivors of child sexual abuse experiencing complex trauma

"Principles
The review established the following best practice approaches for working with adult survivors of child sexual abuse experiencing complex trauma:

• A ‘no wrong door approach’. This was a key principle of the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse, first included in the 2014 interim report and reiterated in multiple publications and statements.
• Trauma-informed care. The principles of this approach were articulated by Fallot and Harris in 20094 and include safety, trustworthiness, choice, collaboration and empowerment, as well as attuning to diversity in all its forms. Working from a trauma-informed orientation means being aware of the prevalence of trauma and the sensitivities and vulnerabilities with which survivors live.
• A focus on self-determination and recovery. These principles are common to many trauma leaders. Notably Christine Courtois in her book “Treating Complex Traumatic Stress Disorders: An Evidence-Based Guide,” emphasises the importance of empowering survivors and supporting their self-determination in the recovery process. She advocates for a strengths-based approach that focuses on the individual’s resilience, coping strategies, and goals for the future.
•  Prioritising safety, flexibility, continuing and predictable care. In its final report, the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse recommended trauma-informed and survivor-centred approaches to service delivery, with a focus on providing safe, flexible and continuing care and support. It also highlighted the need for services to be predictable and reliable, so that survivors can have a sense of stability and consistency in their recovery journey.
• The need for practitioners working in generalist or specialist roles to support survivors with empathy, build trust and show an understanding of the lived and living experience of child sexual abuse and complex trauma has been repeatedly affirmed by survivors and trauma leaders.
• It is vital for practitioners to adopt best practice approaches and to have particular expertise in working with survivors of child sexual abuse and complex trauma. In its final report in 2017, the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse recommended that specialist training be provided to professionals working with survivors of child sexual abuse, to ensure that they have the knowledge and skills necessary to provide effective and sensitive care.
• Offering multiple modalities. Many therapists who work with survivors of child sexual abuse experiencing complex trauma draw from a number of modalities and techniques informed by each survivor’s needs and preference and tailored to the individual’s unique needs and circumstances, and specifically within different population groups.
• For therapeutic work following a phased-based approach, which is believed by many to be a gold standard for practice. This approach was developed by Judith Herman and first articulated in her seminal work:
  Trauma and Recovery: The Aftermath of Violence – From Domestic Abuse to Political Terror (1992) with a key focus on safety and stabilisation of a fundamental basis for all therapeutic work.

The report found that while there are promising approaches to supporting victims and survivors of child sexual abuse, there is still so much more that remains unclear. In particular, there needs to be more investment in research that is informed at its core by the unique experiences and insights of people with lived and living experience of child sexual abuse."

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A 'no wrong door approach' our petition is asking the Victorian Government to pilot in the Ballarat and Bayside regions of Victoria, is once again recognised as a best practice approach for working with adult survivors of child sexual abuse experiencing complex trauma. 

As recommended multiple times by the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse, and detailed in Recommendation 9.1 in the final report. Which the Victorian Government accepted as a worthy principle, but has chosen not to implement the changes recommended to achieve the outcomes sought.

We have also shared this Knowledge Summary and associated research references, with the Board of Inquiry into historical child sexual abuse in Beaumaris Primary School and certain other government schools.

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Sharing an update from the  Board of Inquiry into historical child sexual abuse in Beaumaris Primary School and certain other government schools.

"In late November we concluded the third phase of our scheduled public hearings, and we want to express our gratitude to everyone who participated. We pay special acknowledgment to victim survivors and secondary victims who bravely shared their experiences and insights. These experiences were shared with an extraordinary level of compassion and concern for others have been affected by this abuse.

Throughout our public hearings, we heard about the impact of historical child sexual abuse and explored themes of accountability and hope. These hearings will contribute to the public record of victim-survivors' experiences. It is our hope that they will also contribute to a process of healing for many people and help foster a shared understanding among all Victorians about the profound effects of such abuse on individuals and communities. 

Transcripts of the hearings and witness statements are available to read on the Public hearings page on our website.

We also acknowledge that the evidence heard may be distressing. We encourage anyone who has been impacted by any information shared during these hearings to reach out for support.

Submissions and private sessions closing 15 December 2023

The Inquiry's work continues. Victim-survivors, along with their families, friends and supporters are encouraged to participate by making a submission or registering for a private session. Opportunities to participate will conclude on Friday 15 December 2023.

For more information on how to make submission and/or register for a private session, please visit our website at beaumarisinquiry.vic.gov.au or contact us on (03) 8301 0102 so we can assist you.

We will continue to review all information made available to us in the lead-up to the delivery of our report to government by 28 February 2024."

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Thank you to every one of our supporters. We are stronger together.