Gladstone Womens Health Centre

We acknowledge the Bailai people and the Gooreng Gooreng people who are the traditional custodians of this land.

Published 01 May 2013

SASS Newsletter
Gladstone Regional Sexual Assault Support Service
Established since 30 March 1993

Inside This Issue:

1 ..................... Vicarious Trauma Training 1 ........................................... Date Claimer 2..Sexual Assault Support Services 3Family Fun Day 4.. Child Protection Commission Discussion Paper 53 Ways to Protect your Child from 6.Sexual Abuse 7 .................................. Reporting Options 8 ..................................... Myths and Facts 9 ........................................ Our brochures 10 ..................... Whats Happening at the Womens Health Centre 11 . .Dittos Keep Safe Adventure Package 10 .......... Information about membership

Judy Marshall-Ozcare, Pam Brown WHC, Helena Botros and Deborah Cheung Phoenix House, Melissa DaveyUniting Care Communities, Wendy HermannLifeline

On the 17th and 18th of April at the Womens Health Centre we held a Vicarious Trauma training sessions. The training program was delivered by Helena Botros and Deborah Cheung from Phoenix House Bundaberg. Around 44 people attended the training and most people agreed that the information presented on the day was helpful and beneficial. One of participants said that she was feeling positively energised after the session. The group had discussions about: how to recognize the symptoms; how it is different to stress; what to do about it; how to practice preventative strategies and self-care. Thank you to those people who attended, thank also for feedback given and a special thank you to Helena and Deborah.

Date Claimer:

Friday 25th October 2013

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Sexual Assault Support Service

What can the Gladstone Sexual Assault service offer to you?
The Sexual Assault Service, located at the Womens Health Centre, Gladstone, provides services to women who have experienced sexual abuse, either recently or sometime in the past. You can access free, confidential one-toone counselling, or participate in groups that occur at times during the year. Assistance and information can also be provided to the people who support you. We provide a respectful and supportive environment, and can provide information on police, medical and court procedures if you wish. We have a lending library on a range of womens issues which all members can access, and a large range of brochures and booklets with information on other services. You can find more information about our membership on the page 10 of this newsletter.

Gladstone Regional Sexual Assault Service Who Do We See

People who have recently been sexually assaulted People who have experienced sexual assault in the past People who were sexually abused in childhood People who have experienced sexual harassment Parents/Carers of children who have been sexually abused Parents/Carers of children with sexualised behaviours High school students who have been sexually abused/harassed People who are supporting someone who has been sexual assaulted/experienced sexual harassment Workers who are distressed after providing assistance to someone who has been sexually assaulted. (The Gladstone Regional Sexual Assault Service staff will also see male clients here or offsite at other services.)

For a confidential appointment, please phone:

4979 1456
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Queensland Child Protection Commission of Inquiry and a message from Combined Voices
For some years Combined Voices has campaigned for a new approach to child and family welfare that acknowledges and builds capacity within Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families and communities toward sustainable solutions. The Queensland Child Protection Commission of Inquiry provides a unique opportunity to influence the future of child protection in Queensland and, in particular, its impact on the safety and well being of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children. Combined Voices has therefore made a submission to the Inquiry. The submission identifies strategies that are fundamental to a new approach, which, if adopted, would make a significant contribution to improving outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and stopping the over representation in the child protection system. A copy of the submission is attached for your information. You are also encouraged to read the 2012 Stating the Case for Change paper produced by Combined Voices that highlights the need for change. The Inquiry has released a Discussion Paper to seek further input from stakeholders about how to improve the protection and care of children in Queensland. Chapter 7 covers issues and options for addressing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander over representation. It is critical that we all take the opportunity to inform the Inquiry and respond to the Discussion Paper. Your support is sought in reflecting these strategies in your submissions to the Inquiry. Together we can make a difference. Your continuing support in this campaign is appreciated.
Discussion Paper Published by the Queensland Child Protection Commission of Inquiry PO Box 12196 George Street, QLD 4003 Tel: 1300 505 903 Fax: 07 3405 9780 Email: info@childprotectioninquiry.qld.gov.au www.childprotectioninquiry.qld.gov.au This publication is available for download from the Commissions website.

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3 Ways to Protect Your Child from Sexual Assault

Parents are surrounded by messages about child sexual abuse. Talk shows and TV news warn parents about dangers at school, in the home and on the Internet. Despite all the media coverage, parents don't get much advice about how to talk to their children about sexual abuse and how to prevent it. RAINN: (America) The nation's largest anti-sexual violence organization. http://www.rainn.org

1. Talk to your children about sexuality and sexual abuse in ageappropriate terms.

Talking openly and directly about sexuality teaches children that it is okay to talk to you when they have questions. Teach children the names of their body parts so that they have the language to ask questions and express concerns about those body parts. Teach children that some parts of their body are private. Let children know that other people should not be touching or looking at their private parts unless they need to touch them to provide care. If someone does need to touch them in those private areas, a parent or trusted caregiver should be there too. Tell children that if someone tries to touch those private areas or wants to look at them, or if someone tries to show the child their own private parts, they should tell a trusted adult as soon as possible.

All children should be told that it's okay to say no to touches that make them uncomfortable or if someone is touching them in ways that make them uncomfortable and that they should tell a trusted adult as soon as possible. This can lead to some slightly embarrassing situations, such as a child who then says they don't want give a relative a hug or kiss! Work with your child to find ways to greet people that don't involve uncomfortable kinds of touch. Talking openly about sexuality and sexual abuse also teaches children that these things don't need to be "secret." Abusers will sometimes tell a child that the abuse is a secret. Let your children know that if someone is touching them or talking to them in ways that make them uncomfortable that it shouldn't stay a secret. Don't try to put all this information into one big "talk" about sex. Talking about sexuality and sexual abuse should be routine conversations.

Continued on page 6

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Continued from page 4 3 Ways to Protect Your Child From Sexual Abuse

2. Be involved in your child's life.

Be interested in your child's activities. Ask your child about the people he goes to school with or play with. If your child is involved in sports, go to games and practices. Get to know the other parents and coaches. If your child is involved in afterschool activities or daycare, ask him what he did during the day. Talk about the media. If your child watches a lot of television or plays video games, watch or play with him. Many TV shows (for example, CSI or Law and Order) show sexual violence of different kinds. Use examples from TV or games that you have watched or played together to start up conversations about sexuality and sexual abuse. Know the other adults that your child might talk to. Children sometimes feel that they cannot talk to their parents. Know the other trusted adults in your child's life. 3. Be Available

Make time to spend with your child. Let your child know that he can come to you if he has questions or if someone is talking to him in a way that makes him feel uncomfortable. Be sure to follow up on this! If your child comes to you with concerns or questions, make time to talk to him. When you empower your child to say no to unwanted touch and teach him that he can come to you with questions and concerns, you take critical steps to preventing child sexual abuse.

The changes to the Newsletters publishing

There has been a change in the frequency that we publish our newsletters and as a consequence we will now publish a Sexual Assault Support Service newsletter again in September. The next WHAG Mag will not be printed until June and then again in November.

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Adult Sexual Assault Reporting. Your Options.

The Queensland Police Service acknowledges that many survivors of rape and sexual assault have reasons for not officially reporting the crime or not wanting to go through the court process. There are many myths and untruths about rape and sexual assault that contribute to the difficulty in survivors speaking out about their experience. The Adult Sexual Assault resource package will provide you with information about your options should you be the survivor of rape or sexual assault. It is aimed at assisting you in making an informed decision. You can find more information in the brochure Adult Sexual Assault. Your options or on the website www.police.qld.gov.au and learn how to make a report online (anonymously if you choose).

What is Rape? Sexual intercourse without consent, or Oral sex without consent What is Sexual Assault? Sexual assault is any unwanted or forced sexual act or behaviour without consent. It covers a broad range of sexual activity. What is Consent? Consent is freely and voluntarily given by a person with the cognitive capacity to do so. Consent is not freely and voluntarily given if you: Are under force Are unconscious or asleep Are under the influence of drugs or alcohol Are under threat or intimidation Are in fear of bodily harm; or Have a mistaken belief that the offender was your sexual partner.

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What can I do if I am raped or sexually assaulted?

If you are raped or sexually assaulted, there are a number of options available to you to protect your personal health and assist in restoring your feelings of safety and security: Get to a place where you feel safe this could be your home, a friends house or a police station. Seek medical assistance. Even if you do not think you have any physical injuries, you may want to be examined for the risks of pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections. Consider calling someone you feel comfortable talking to for support. Seek counselling support and assistance from a sexual assault support service - see Support Resources. They can offer you support and assistance to deal with the consequences of the assault Do not blame yourself for the attack. No one is responsible for the offenders actions but the offender. No one ever asks or deserves to be sexually assaulted or raped. The most important thing is your survival. Believe in your own self worth.

Myths & Facts

Myth: Rape is committed by strangers. Fact: Most rapes occur at home. More often than not the offender is a relative, friend, neighbour or acquaintance known to the survivor. Myth: Rape is a 'spur of the moment' act. Fact: Most rapists plan carefully in advance, and set up situations so the rape can take place. A rapist is capable of raping again and again. Myth: A woman can't be raped by her husband. Fact: Rape in marriage is common. It's also a crime. When a person is forced to have sex through emotional or financial blackmail, it is rape. It is also rape if a woman is forced into oral and anal sex by her partner. Myth: It is not that serious; Ill just ignore it and hope it wont happen again. Fact: Rape and sexual assault are criminal offences and offenders are liable to sentences of imprisonment. Myth: Rape happens when men lose their self-control. Fact: Men who rape know very well what they are doing. Rape is an act of control.

For support call the Statewide Sexual Assault Helpline on freecall:

1800 010 120

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The brochures filled with valuable information are always available here at Gladstone Womens Health Centre

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Whats Happening at the Womens Health Centre?

Bounce Back From Trauma

Bounce Back is a program over 7 sessions for women who have experienced any kind of trauma covering topics based around recovery from trauma and moving on with ones life in a positive way. This program will be held at Gladstone Womens Health Centre and will be facilitated by counsellors from the Gladstone Regional Sexual Assault Service. The cost is $5 per session, but there is no charge for financial members. Commences 11th July and goes from 12pm to 2.30pm. Booking is essential.

Working Womens Group

This group for working women held every last Thursday of each month and is a great way to meet, network and socialise with likeminded, busy women. We all have hectic life-styles, making social down time hard to fit in this group meets straight after work, no need to go home first, work attire welcome. The Working Womens Group has a very relaxed format: we meet at a restaurant, turn up when you can from 5.30pm onwards, order a meal when you are ready and stay for as little or as long as you like. (Each woman pays for her own meal, drinks, etc.) RSVP so that we can book the table.

Gladstone Health Professionals Group

May Meeting 15th May 6pm to 7pm Gladstone Womens Health Centre Crn Derby and Buller Streets RSVP to Hollie OBrien gladstonehealthprofgroup@gmail.com Presents Robyn Liddell Sexual Assault Support Service Counsellor Sexual Assault Support Service offers free of charge counselling, support and information to those who have experienced sexual abuse, either recently or sometime in the past and information on sexual abuse disclosure. Counselling is offered to women, men and children over the age of 10 years. How to support someone who has been sexually abused Reporting Options: including Alternative Reporting Option Bystander approach to sexual harassment in the workplace Pregnancy support for women who have been sexually abused Invitation to join the Gladstone Sexual Assault Network
Womens Health Centre and Gladstone Sexual Assault Support Service 9 Derby Street Gladstone Phone: 4979 1456 Fax: 4979 1901 Email: info@gladstonewomenshealth.org.au www.gladstonewomenshealth.org.au

Wanted- DVD suitable for children

DVDs are needed for children to view at the Centre when parent and children are waiting for someone who is being counselled. Please consider donating any unwanted children's DVDs to the Centre.

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We have a great package Dittos Keep Safe Adventure by Bravehearts Inc. that is a vital child protection tool for every family.
The package includes : Dittos Keep Safe Adventure CD ROM Dittos Keep Safe Adventure Songs CD Dittos Keep Safe: Adventure Show DVD Dittos Keep Safe Activity Book

All this Items to buy individually would cost $60.35

All this for $25.00

At the Gladstone Womens Health Centre 9 Derby Street Gladstone Phone: 4979 1456 Fax: 4979 1901 e-mail: info@gladstonewomenshealth.org.au Page 11

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Membership helps us keep our Services Low-cost

Huge increase in the costs of service provision means that we cannot cover all program costs and need your support to deliver these essential services and support existing and future networks. Your membership helps ensure that we can continue to provide: Activities Resources Research and Strategies Free counselling Low cost pregnancy tests Free condoms Leveraging future grants and subsidies

The support and involvement of members assists the Womens Health Centre with strategic direction. We value your input. Ask about the Members Library and Members discounts! Membership Fees are $15 per individual per annum, being renewable on the 1st of July. For more information about membership please visit our website:

www.gladstonewomenshealth.org.au

About us: Gladstone Womens Health Centre 9 Derby Street Gladstone Phone: 4979 1456 Fax: 4979 1901 e-mail: info@gladstonewomenshealth.org.au website: www.gladstonewomenshealth.org.au Open hours: Monday to Thursday, 9am 4:30pm About us: Gladstone Womens Health Centre 9 Derby Street Gladstone Phone: 4979 1456 Fax: 4979 1901 e-mail: info@gladstonewomenshealth.org.au website: www.gladstonewomenshealth.org.au Open hours:
Funded by: Queensland Government

Monday to Thursday, 9am 4:30pm

Funded by: Queensland Government

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