Listening to Families Videos

Catherine Gallagher Clinical Practice Manager Start notes that there are multiple views of what sexual abuse is – she provides a definition. She suggests that if a person is curious, concerned and there is a flag – check it out. Sam MacGibbon Child and Family Psychologist talks about online sexual abuse.

Sam MacGibbon Child and Family Psychologist explains that changes in behaviour will be the obvious sign. She notes that the changes will be different at different ages. Catherine Gallagher Clinical Practice Manager Start notes that there can be signs but there may be no signs. They share strategies to use if there are concerns.

Catherine Gallagher Clinical Practice Manager Start explains how to respond when a disclosure occurs. She notes the importance of taking a breath and then asking some questions to understand what’s going on. Sam MacGibbon Child and Family Psychologist confirms the importance of believing children.

Catherine Gallagher Clinical Practice Manager Start explains that it is sometimes hard to distinguish between naughty behaviour and behaviour related to sexual trauma. Sam MacGibbon Child and Family Psychologist notes that when children who have been experiencing chronic sexual trauma start to share this information there may be a strong reaction – the lid comes off.

Sam MacGibbon Child and Family Psychologist notes recent research that states that 70% will experience post-traumatic stress symptoms following sexual abuse. This reinforces the importance of providing support. Catherine Gallagher Clinical Practice Manager Start confirms the importance of telling the child that it wasn’t their fault!

Catherine Gallagher Clinical Practice Manager Start notes that disclosure can often be a trigger for a parent and that if this happens it’s really important for the parent to seek support. Sam MacGibbon Child and Family Psychologist confirms the importance of parents getting support so that they can then help their child. Catherine and Sam talk about the support available through ACC

Sam MacGibbon Child and Family Psychologist confirms that anger and other feelings are a natural response. She notes the importance of managing feelings when the child is around. Catherine Gallagher Clinical Practice Manager Start explains the importance of telling the child that any anger demonstrated is not directed at the child.

Sam MacGibbon Child and Family Psychologist explains that with the right support children can move on and realise their full potential. Catherine Gallagher Clinical Practice Manager Start talks about doing the healing work at different stages – when the child, adolescent or adult is ready

Catherine Gallagher Clinical Practice Manager Star notes that 90+% of the harm happens in relationships – close or extended family. Her advice is to start small – it’s not appropriate to trust everyone. Sam MacGibbon Child and Family Psychologist talks about working with the child to develop preventative strategies.

Sam MacGibbon Child and Family Psychologist explains that when the child is ready therapists can help the child’s brains natural healing process. Catherine Gallagher Clinical Practice Manager Start notes the importance of starting conversations about the child’s sexual development.

Catherine Gallagher Clinical Practice Manager Start explains that grooming is when an adult works to lower the defences of a child. She notes that grooming can be nice or violent. Sam MacGibbon Child and Family Psychologist notes that grooming can be a long process. Adults may put a lot of effort in to this over a considerable period of time.

Catherine Gallagher Clinical Practice Manager Start notes that experiencing sexual trauma as a rule doesn’t make a child’s sexuality. She talks about the importance communicating with the child. Sam MacGibbon Child and Family Psychologist explains that children who have experience sexual trauma say that they feel different – this can lead to a young person exploring their sexuality.

Catherine Gallagher Clinical Practice Manager Start notes that the natural response to something unpleasant is to lean away. It’s important to lean in – move towards the person who is sharing this. Sam MacGibbon Child and Family Psychologist explains that parents moving away sends the wrong messages to children who might respond by burying the problem.