Promising Practice Programs

Another Layer of Trauma

Agency Sexual Assault Resource Centre
Website N/A
Contact Dorinda Cox
Aboriginal Liaison Officer
PO Box 842, Subiaco
Perth, WA
P: (08) 9340 1820
F: (08) 9340 1815
E: dorinda.cox@health.wa.gov.au
Start date September 2004
End date Ongoing
Program type Community awareness/education
Service provider training
Therapeutic responses to victims
Geographical area Local community, urban and regional centres
Target group Indigenous community and service providers
Description This program is run as a full day workshop.
Its focus is on the traumatic impact of sexual abuse in Aboriginal communities. It discusses multiple layers of trauma, both historical and current, and how they cannot be underestimated when working with Aboriginal clients.
Implications in terms of dealing with sexual abuse are also explored.
Promising practice examples
  • Discusses the historical issues of dispossession and assimilation which Aboriginal people have experienced. This enables non Aboriginal people to be aware of the layers of trauma that may exist for that person, especially for sexual assault and sexual abuse, and makes them aware of the level of sensitivity required.
  • Takes account of contemporary research and practice developments in the field of sexual assault.
  • Contributes to improving systems' responses to sexual assault, and is directed at preventing sexual assault.
  • Demonstrates a sensitivity towards the barriers faced by victim/survivors in disclosing and reporting sexual assault.
Based on existing program N/A
Philosophical framework N/A
Research informing program Thomas, Carol (1993), 'Sexual Assault: Issues for Aboriginal Women', in P.W. Easteal (ed.), Without consent: confronting adult sexual violence; proceedings of a conference held, 27-29 October 1992. Canberra, ACT: Australian Institute of Criminology, 1993, pp. 139-147.

Lloyd, Jane & Rogers, Nanette (1993), 'Crossing the Last Frontier: Problems facing Aboriginal Women Victims of Rape in Central Australia', in P.W. Easteal (ed.), Without consent: confronting adult sexual violence; proceedings of a conference held, 27-29 October 1992, Canberra, Australian Institute of Criminology, pp. 149-164.
Publications N/A
Evaluation External Evaluation. Written evaluations following attendance.
All evaluations received were excellent and 80 people registered for the workshop in April 2005.
Funding Department of Health, Government of Western Australia

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