Delivering trauma-informed support for child sexual abuse victims in Victoria: mapping the knowledge gaps and training needs of the specialist sectors

Dr Amy Webster, Sexual Assault Services Victoria

Kathleen Maltzahn, Sexual Assault Services Victoria

Emily Roberts, Sexual Assault Services Victoria

Alice Hon, Sexual Assault Services Victoria

This project will gather evidence that Sexual Assault Services Victoria can use to strengthen the capacity of professionals across the specialist child sexual abuse sector workforce in Victoria, to provide trauma-informed and compassionate supports. In turn, this will improve understanding of the current knowledge and training needs of key sector workforces and identify opportunities to embed trauma-informed curricula into key qualification pathways. This project will specifically investigate the knowledge, training and education needs required to provide trauma-informed and compassionate supports to victims of child sexual abuse from diverse backgrounds, and their families.

This project will use a mixed methods approach, including a desktop review of key documents and evidence, a survey and focus groups with specialist practitioners representing Sexual Assault Services Victoria member services, to gather evidence that members can use to design and implement a range of workforce capacity building and knowledge translation activities.

This project will leverage stakeholder engagement through Sexual Assault Services Victoria’s role as the peak body for specialist sexual assault and harmful sexual behaviour services across the state. This approach will ensure findings generated can be quickly and effectively translated into key workforces, contributing to improved outcomes and experiences for those impacted by child sexual abuse.