A public gathering will take place at Altona beach this weekend for survivors and victims of childhood sexual abuse.
Altona’s Mairead Ashcroft has organised the “free, peaceful, non-political and non-religious event”, which she’s named Innocent child of the village.
Ms Ashcroft said perpetrators of abuse relied on victims’ silence, which was why talking about the issue was so important.
However, she said greater media focus on childhood sexual abuse and events, such as the recent arson attacks on Melbourne churches with links to paedophile priests, could trigger painful memories for survivors.
“For victims, it stirred things up,” she said.
“It triggered people, and there’s a lot more in the media now that is triggering for people, and they don’t know where to go, they don’t know how to go about it because a lot of people think, I thought it only happened to me.
“The media is very important because the strength of perpetuating childhood sexual abuse comes from its silence,” she said.
“So, although it can be painful to hear these stories, hearing them can give people the strength to come forward. I know there are people out there who are suffering because they tell me. People are saying to me, I’ve never told anyone this before but … ”
At 5pm on April 19, Ms Ashcroft will create a circle in the sand to the right of Altona pier, light candles in the centre and watch the sun go down with other survivors.
“It’s just sending positive intentions out there for people and letting them know, you know, we know that this happened … and we care,” she said.
“That’s basically what it is, we care. It’s not a counselling session, but in saying that I do have counsellors coming.
“So if somebody does find themselves in distress, there are people there who can help in that moment.”
For more information, visit the Innocent child of the village Facebook event.
Centre Against Sexual Assault offers telephone and face-to-face counselling to survivors of recent and past sexual abuse, including childhood sexual abuse.
The centre’s 24-hour sexual assault crisis line is 1800 806 292 or 9635 3610. Otherwise go online to www.casa.org.au.
