Phoenix Support & Advocacy Service for Victim-Survivors of Child Sexual Abuse

Phoenix Support & Advocacy Service remains one of very few organisations within metropolitan Western Australia that provides a highly specialised trauma-informed service specifically for survivors of historical child sexual abuse. The counselling support is person-centred and responds to the individual and unique needs of each client. The process is respectful and empowering. The therapeutic interventions are leading edge and innovative, and offer holistic therapies through our ‘Trauma Transformation’ program from professionally qualified and highly experienced trauma specialists.

The youngest clients accessing Phoenix have been five years of age and the oldest client attending was 91 years of age. This is indicative of no one being too young or too old to receive support. However, this is also indicative of tragically how early in life therapeutic treatment begins along with how long and lasting can be the devasting and traumatic impacts of child sexual abuse. Even towards the end of life, traumatic memories can still haunt and the road to recovery can sometimes be a life-long journey, but it is never too early or too late to heal and seek peace.

Experiencing Strength and Hope

By C.S.

I am an adult survivor of childhood sexual abuse. I was groomed and sexually abused by my stepfather on a weekly and at times daily basis for 10 years of my childhood. It began when I was 2 and ended when I was 12.

I disclosed and reported my abuse in my 30’s which resulted in my perpetrator being charged with 24 offences. During the court process he was granted the reward of a plea deal which resulted in a guilty plea to 12 charges whilst the rest were dropped. He was then gifted a reduction in sentencing for his pleas of guilty, affording him the imprisonment service of 6 years and 3 months out of a 24-and a half year sentence.

As a result of my childhood, I have experienced a lack of access to education, long term homelessness, substance addiction, FDV relationships, social isolation, complete separation from my family of origin, and a life of poverty.

By the time I arrived at Phoenix I was a shell of a person. I was existing, in a state of swinging between dissociated fear and panic, and vivid flashbacks every waking second. Nights were even worse. I would either be unable to sleep or I would experience rolling night terrors. I was unable to complete daily living tasks. I was unable to parent my children. I was unable to function in any capacity as a human being.

I have spent 3.5 years attending fortnightly counselling and EMDR sessions with Senior Counsellor Sally at Phoenix. As a result of the hard work, we have put in together I have been able to process a lot of my trauma. I have developed a healthy sense of self, I have strategies and skills to cope with life, I have found connection in community, I have returned to education and will next year be attending University, I have secured stable housing and meaningful paid employment, I have healthy relationships with others,

I have peace and safety in my life, I can trust myself, my children get to have a whole and happy mother who functions, I am now remarried to a wonderful man who has also engaged with Phoenix in relation to his own experiences of being subjected to childhood sexual abuse.

Phoenix has saved our lives and saved our family. Our lives today are filled with hope, promise and prosperity, something we never dreamed possible.

Learn more about Phoenix Support & Advocacy Service here.

About The Author

Kayelene Kerr is recognised as one of Western Australia’s most experienced specialist providers of Protective Behaviours, Body Safety, Cyber Safety, Digital Wellness and Pornography education workshops. Kayelene is passionate about the prevention of child abuse and sexual exploitation, drawing on over 27 years’ experience of study and law enforcement, investigating sexual crimes, including technology facilitated crimes. Kayelene delivers engaging and sought after prevention education workshops to educate, equip and empower children and young people, and to help support parents, carers, educators and other professionals. Kayelene believes protecting children from harm is a shared responsibility and everyone can play a role in the care, safety and protection of children. Kayelene aims to inspire the trusted adults in children’s lives to tackle sometimes challenging topics.

About eSafeKids

eSafeKids strives to reduce and prevent harm through proactive prevention education, supporting and inspiring parents, carers, educators and other professionals to talk with children, young people and vulnerable adults about protective behaviours, body safety, cyber safety, digital wellness and pornography. eSafeKids is based in Perth, Western Australia.