April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month and the aim is to break the silence around sexual assault.
The Central Australian Health Service’s Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC) is planning a number of events throughout the month in collaboration with other stakeholders.
“SARC has observed that shame and stigma is still silencing survivors and thereby hindering the healing process,” said Christa Bartjen-Westermann, SARC Manager.
Representatives from the local stakeholders include the Alice Springs Women’s Shelter, Kunga Stopping the Violence Program and the Central Aboriginal Family Legal Unit.
“While Domestic and Family Violence is in the public domain and being acknowledged as a major issue, the co-occurrence of sexual violence is still being silenced,” said Di Gipey from the Alice Springs Women’s Shelter.
Miriam Bevis from the Kunga Stopping Violence Program says sexual violence is a widespread and serious issue and we can no longer keep a blind eye.
“People we know, love, trust and respect are often the very same people who inflict harm, such as a trusted family member, teacher, sports idol, or community leader,” Ms Bevis said.
The Central Australian Aboriginal Family Legal Unit (CAAFLU) wants to expand the ability to hear from victims, offer support and acknowledge the impact sexual assault has on the survivor and on family members, friends and community members.
“Let’s make progress in the right direction and not blame the survivor but rather call the perpetrator to account,” said Phynea Clarke from CAAFLU.
The goal is to establish safer communities and this includes the home environment, sporting and entertainment, as well as study and work environments.
“We can all play a role in creating environments that are supportive and open, and don’t discredit individual survivors,” said Heike Billstein from SARC.
If you are a survivor and this is creating stressful reactions for you, support is available through the nationwide 1800 respect number: 1800 737 732 or your local SARC service on 08 8955 44500.
Media contact: Gail Liston – 08 89512 5111 or 0476 839 383.