Support for supporters

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Valuing our support network

You are valued allies in recovery and we recognise that a survivor’s recovery can be greatly assisted by the care and support that they receive from family, friends and other supporters.

SAMSN walks with survivors, their families and supporters, to provide practical and emotional support. Even if you are supporting a male survivor of child sexual abuse, but they aren’t yet ready to reach out, that’s okay, you can! Please feel welcome to contact us for a confidential conversation.

SAMSN offers a range of free services, support, and resources including individual short-term counselling, supporters and survivors workshops, and resources for supporters.

Getting the balance right between understanding and supporting the survivor, whilst attending to your own needs can be challenging. We want to support you in your journey.

SAMSN offers the following services to supporters

Supporters & Survivors Workshops

Workshops are facilitated by SAMSN staff who are both professionals and those with lived experience.

View workshops

Counselling for supporters

Supporters can access between 6 – 10 sessions of free counselling. Counselling is available via phone, Zoom or face-to-face.

Access counselling

Resource Library

Supporters can also access a comprehensive library of evidence-based supporter resources that are free and helpful.

View resources for supporters

SAMSN has not only supported the victims but also acknowledged me as a carer. Getting involved with SAMSN is the first time I have felt acknowledged and respected during difficult times.

May

Hear from other supporters

The important role of supporters: This video, contains a welcome from our patron, Robert Fitzgerald AM acknowledging the important role that supporters play in supporting survivors.

Experiences of supporters: In this video, supporters Lucy, Anne, Jo, Tracy and Erika share their experiences as supporters of survivors.

Survivor insights: In this video, Matthew and Dave share their insights on support for survivors.

I highly recommend SAMSN. I was not sure what to expect, as a supporter I now have a better understanding. It was very helpful to listen to other people’s experiences.

Erika

Learn more from other supporters

Common questions from supporters: In this video, Supporters Jo, Tracy, Erika, Lucy, and Anne respond to common questions about supporting survivors.

Believe children: In this video, Jane shares her experience as a mother supporting her son after his disclosure of sexual abuse. If you are supporting a survivor aged under 18, Bravehearts can assist you - freecall 1800 272 831

A stylised orange and blue tricycle, with the words "SAMSN's Stronger" underneath.

Listen to Episode 3 of our podcast: Our podcast features experiences of resilience from male survivors, their supporters and allies. Listen to Episode 3: Lean on me - Supporters to hear more about the experiences of other supporters.

Very practical and productive, has helped unpack the enormity of impact on my brother's life.

Yuri

Connecting with others and hearing diversity of stories, I love the down to earth honesty and the sense of being comfortable. I love that survivors also attended today and shared through separate groups. We are not alone!

Amanda

Listening to others, their story and feelings. I am so grateful for such an incredible space that has been created.

Julie

Thank you for your time, dedication and safe environment for connection to take place among survivors and their supports.

Kim

Thank you for the invaluable workshop it has given me a lot of strength and encouragement both knowing that recovery for my loved one is possible and that the path ahead has been trodden by the “mates” who have traveled the path before us, shining the light of hope brightly.

Aimee

I found the workshop very informative in how to approach the subject, especially for anyone who was not fully involved in the process.

Castle

Supporters

  1. Support for supporters
    1. Workshops
    2. Counselling
  2. Resources for supporters