The Pathologisation of Sexual Abuse - Masterclass

NEW MASTERCLASS: The Pathologisation of Sexual Abuse

Phoenix is proud to be hosting Dr Jessica Taylor in Perth in November. Join us for a Masterclass with this best-selling author and campaigner. Dr Taylor is a specialist in trauma-informed, anti-pathology, anti-victim blaming approaches to supporting and protecting women and girls from all forms of violence, abuse, oppression and exploitation.

WHO: Ideal training for Practitioners working in: policing, social care, health, psychology, legal practice, and allied fields who want to improve responses to sexual abuse and ensure survivors are protected, heard, and believed.

TOPIC: Too often, the impacts of sexual abuse are reframed as evidence of ‘mental illness’ rather than understood as normal, natural, and expected responses to trauma. Survivors and victims are labelled with psychiatric diagnoses such as borderline personality disorder, bipolar disorder, depression, or even PTSD - all labels which can undermine their credibility, obscure the violence they have endured, and prevent perpetrators from being held accountable.

This workshop challenges the medicalisation of sexual abuse by exploring how and why pathologisation occurs, the consequences for victims, and how professionals can adopt an anti-pathologising, trauma-informed approach. Through interactive exercises, case studies, and practical reframing tools, participants will learn to recognise and resist pathologisation in their own practice.

OUTCOMES: You will leave with:

• A clear understanding of how people who have been abused have historically been (and still are being) pathologised

• Insight into the impact of labels on justice, safeguarding, and recovery

• Practical strategies to reframe casework through an anti-pathology, trauma-informed lens

• Tools to challenge systemic victim-blaming within your organisation

OUR TRAINERS:  Dr Jessica Taylor & Jaimi Shrive VictimFocus

TICKETS:

$195 + Booking Fees + GST - Not for profit rate

$225 + Booking Fees + GST - Corporate rate

For group discount enquiries - please contact 📧 training@phoenix.asn.au

CATERING: Morning & afternoon tea provided - please BYO lunch

For enquiries or to register your interest please contact:

📧 training@phoenix.asn.au 📞 (08) 9443-1910

🌐 www.phoenix.asn.au/training