In Conversation - Child sexual abuse and the impacts to and within the family system

Challenge 1 and 3 in Here for Change, the National Centre’s Five Year Strategy, highlights that children, young people and adults with experiences of child sexual abuse (or their parents or carers) are often not identified, protected or well supported when they raise concerns or disclose.

Moderated by the National Centre, this In Conversation discussion brings together lived experience with insights from research, cultural wisdom and practice expertise to explore the impacts of child sexual abuse within the family system and how these shape the responses and support victims and survivors receive.

The webinar will unpack:

• The different experiences of families following a disclosure of child sexual abuse
• What can impact on a caregiver or family member believing the disclosure
• What is important for practitioners to know and do when supporting families following a disclosure

This webinar is part of a concentrated effort by the National Centre to support the translation of knowledge and improve responses for victims and survivors of child sexual abuse.

Time: 11.30am – 12.30pm AEST (QLD) or 12.30-1.30pm AEDT (ACT, NSW, VIC, TAS)

Where: Online, Zoom link here.

Please note this webinar will be recorded.

Featured Speakers:  

Lauren French, Head of Education & Community Development, Body Safety Australia. Lauren (She/Her) is a proud Karajarri women who had the joy of growing up on Larrakia Lands in the Northern Territory. 

Lauren has always been passionate about finding ways to support and empower First Nations children and families. Lauren believes that every young person deserves a life filed with respectful relationships and equitable experiences. A large focus of her work has centred on helping move others away from viewing mob through a deficit lens and understanding the very real strengths community holds in preventing harm. With Body Safety Australia, a not-for-profit organisation specialising in child sexual abuse prevention, LGBTQIA+ equity and inclusivity, consent and respectful relationships education, Lauren has facilitated thousands of workshops. Her work is across early childhood, primary and secondary school spaces with children, educators and families. 

Along with her bachelors in Psychology, Lauren holds a Master's of Sexology and is a member of the Society of Australian Sexologists (SAS). She's also the proud recipient of the 2023 Indigenous Achievement award in the 7News Young Achiever Awards (Victoria), was named one of Out for Australia's 2023 30 under 30 winners, and has received a 2023 Churchill Fellowship. 

Kerinda Camilleri, Team Leader, Laurel Place Inc. Kerinda is currently employed as a Team Leader with Laurel Place Sexual Assault Service. She has over 15 years' experience working with young people who engage in harmful sexual behaviours, as well as children and their non-offending family members who have been impacted by sexual abuse. Kerinda's qualifications include a Bachelor of Social Work, Graduate Diploma in Child Psychotherapy and a Masters in Social Work (Forensics). Kerinda is passionate about the specialist work she does in the Youth Harmful Sexual Behaviour program to help reduce ongoing harm and considers engagement with family and carer systems to be a vital component of successful treatment and intervention. 

Nadine McKillop, Associate Professor, Sexual Violence Research and Prevention Unit, University of the Sunshine Coast. Nadine is a registered Psychologist, Associate Professor in Criminology and Justice, and Co-Leader of the Sexual Violence Research and Prevention Unit at theUniversity of the Sunshine Coast. Her international research profile demonstrates expertise in understanding and preventing the onset of sexual violence and abuse, and the assessment and treatment of youth and adults who have committed sexual offences. Drawing from her practice and research experiences sheis dedicated to improving prevention and response measures to reduce the extent and impacts of sexual violence and abuse in the community. She is the current Editor-in-Chief for the Journal of Sexual Aggression: An international, interdisciplinary forum for research, theory and practice. 

Tracey Basan, advocate. Tracey is a passionate advocate dedicated to empowering child victims of sexual abuse and their families. With lived experience navigating the legal system, she deeply understands the long-term impact of child sexual abuse on individuals and the family unit. For five years, Tracey volunteered to support victims and families, advocating for systemic change and greater awareness. She continues this mission through mentoring and community engagement, ensuring survivors are seen, heard, and believed.Currently studying a Bachelor of Social Work/Bachelor of Criminology & Justice, Tracey also works in youth support within a remote community. Her unwavering commitment to social justice drives her work, inspiring others to create meaningful change.