Altona: New support for sexual abuse victims

A support group for survivors of childhood sexual abuse will start up in Altona this month.

Altona resident and abuse survivor Mairead Ashcroft initiated the fortnightly group called Tribe Transformation.

“Sadly, many of us were initiated into the adult world too soon, entering elements of the tribe we were not yet ready to understand or cope with,” she said.

“The purpose of the support group is to share our experiences and transform them into positive responses while learning from each other.

“One in three females in Australia and one in five males in Australia go through this ordeal every day,” she claimed.

“Sharing experiences honestly and openly in a safe and empathetic environment with others who have had similar life experiences can create an opportunity for new perspectives.”

Altona Laverton Historical Society has opened up the Altona homestead in Logan Reserve for the group to use free of charge.

People attending are asked to make a gold coin donation to cover tea, coffee and printing costs.

Meetings, facilitated by a qualified counsellor, will start on June 10 and will run on the second and fourth Wednesday of the month.

To book a place, call 0401 649 967 or email artoflifewithmairead@gmail.com.