Program helps sex abuse victim
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“I was molested at a very young age – it started when I was two,” said Jenny, who spoke to the Noosa News this week to promote the Discoveries Program supported by the Zonta Club of Noosa.
Now aged 66, it was not until two years ago that she gained the confidence and peace of mind to be the sort of person who could dress up nicely – thanks to the Discoveries sessions designed for victims of sexual abuse.
“Before that I used to try to hide myself by dressing down so I wasn’t noticed,” Jenny said.
Incest from the time she was a toddler in Canberra, and then later being molested when in a children’s home where she was placed with her sisters, took a heavy toll.
“I just totally shut down.”
Jenny was in “care” for more than 10 years, and when she finally let loose to make her own way in life, she was totally lost.
“I had no life or social skills whatsoever and I had some disastrous relationships.”
Jenny said it was not until she read the Zonta notice in the Noosa News about this course that she had been able to find any equilibrium in her life.
Mental health social worker Aimee Stanyer from FOCUS – Personal Health and Therapy said the program allowed participants to “re-story” their lives through large and small group conversations and creative outlets.
“The group is structured to explore society’s understandings of issues around trust, powerlessness and relationships, and the individual women’s experiences are explored,” Ms Stanyer said.
“Women are urged not to tell all in this forum and we assist women in making healthy links with other people-professionals and other support agencies in the area.
“All the women had experienced anxiety symptoms and depression symptoms.
“Various women gave feedback about themselves after the group finished and made comments such as: ‘I’ve realised that sexual abuse happens a lot and it wasn’t my fault’.”
The Discoveries program will run for 12 weeks on Thursday mornings from 9am to noon starting on September 18 in the Cooroy area.
Anyone interested should contact the FOCUS team or call 1300 880 574 to register for the program or for more information.
Written By Barry Leddicoat