Strength In Numbers

Send us your feedback or questions for our guests!In this episode of Strength in Numbers, we speak with Harrison James, a survivor and award-winning activist dedicated to reforming Australia's legal system for survivors of sexual abuse. Harrison co-founded the acclaimed 'Your Reference Ain't Relevant' campaign and serves as the Media and Communications Officer for the Grace Tame Foundation. He is also an Ambassador for Polished Man and National Survivors' Day, and facilitates meet-ups at The Survivor Hub.Harrison shares his journey from being sexually abused by his stepmother from the ages of 13 to 16 to becoming a powerful advocate for survivors. For years, he carried the weight of his secret in silence, but now, at 24 years old, his tireless activism fuels legislative reform and highlights survivor-led initiatives.In this episode, Harrison shares the challenges he faced in coming forward with his story and the powerful impact on his life after breaking his silence. We delve into what healing and recovery looks like, the goals of the 'Your Reference Ain't Relevant' campaign, and his efforts to create supportive communities for survivors.Listeners will gain a deeper understanding of the challenges survivors face and the critical importance of supportive communities and legislative reform. Harrison's unwavering commitment to advocacy inspires a safer world for all.Tune in to hear Harrison James' inspiring story and learn how we can all contribute to creating a more just and supportive society.Please subscribe now by hitting follow, so we can continue doing what we do!Instagram: @strengthinnumbers_pod Email: hello@strengthinnumberspod.auDo you need support?This podcast includes discussions of domestic violence and sexual abuse, which may be upsetting for some listeners. The following support services are free and confidential, and are available 24/7:If you have experienced or are at risk of domestic or family violence or sexual assault and need support, you can call the national counselling service on 1800RESPECT (1800 737 732).The Kids Helpline is a free service for young people aged 5 to 25 and can be reached on 1800 551 800.Lifeline offers personal crisis support services. Call them on 13 11 14.MensLine Australia supports both those affected by family and domestic violence and offers support to people using violence. Call them on 1300 789 978.In an emergency, or if you are in immediate danger, please call 000. Support the Show.

Send us your feedback or questions for our guests!Please subscribe now by hitting follow, so we can continue doing what we do!In this episode, we speak with Dr. Brian Sullivan, a seasoned expert with over 25 years of experience in men's intervention programs and domestic violence training. Dr. Sullivan is currently the CEO of the Red Rose Foundation, an organisation dedicated to ending domestic violence-related deaths and providing support to survivors.You can learn more about the Red Rose Foundation at www.redrosefoundation.com.au.Dr. Sullivan shares his journey from Toledo, Ohio, where he began working with male offenders, to his current role leading initiatives at the Red Rose Foundation. We explore his work with Sicura-DV, where he provides advanced training and program consultation to professionals in the domestic violence sector.We delve into the comprehensive services offered by the Red Rose Foundation, their advocacy work, and the innovative Strangulation Trauma Centre, which provides specialised support for survivors of non-lethal strangulation.Listeners will also gain a deeper understanding of the critical role of trauma-informed care in rehabilitating perpetrators and supporting victims. Dr. Sullivan also discusses the importance of community collaboration and systemic change in effectively addressing domestic violence.Tune in to learn more about the impactful work of Dr Brian Sullivan and gain valuable insights into domestic violence intervention and prevention.Guest Biography: Dr. Brian Sullivan is the CEO of the Red Rose Foundation. With over 25 years of experience, he has been an influential figure in the domestic violence sector, working extensively with perpetrators and providing training and consultation to professionals.Dr. Sullivan's career spans various roles, including academic, professional practitioner, trainer, and consultant. His PhD research focused on the effectiveness of court-mandated programs for male DV offenders. He is committed to creating safer communities through evidence-based, trauma-informed practices.Instagram: @strengthinnumbers_podEmail: hello@strengthinnumberspod.auDo you need support?This podcast includes discussions of domestic violence and may be upsetting for some listeners. The following support services are free and confidential, and are available 24/7:If you have experienced or are at risk of domestic or family violence or sexual assault and need support, you can call the national counselling service on 1800RESPECT (1800 737 732).The Kids Helpline is a free service for young people aged 5 to 25 and can be reached on 1800 551 800.Lifeline offers personal crisis support services. Call them on 13 11 14.MensLine Australia supports both those affected by family and domestic violence and offers support to people using violence. Call them on 1300 789 978.In an emergency, or if you are in immediate danger, please call 000.Support the Show.

Send us your feedback or questions for our guests!Please subscribe now by hitting follow, so we can continue doing what we do!In this episode of Strength in Numbers, we speak with Dr. Chelsea Tobin, CEO of Safe Steps Family Violence Response Centre, one of the leading family violence and crisis support centres in Victoria. If you are in Victoria, you can contact Safe Steps 24/7 on 1800 015 188 or via www.safesteps.org.au.Dr. Tobin opens up about the pivotal moments that shaped her career and her experience as a foster carer that transformed her perspective and motivated her to apply her skills to the community services sector. We explore the comprehensive services offered by Safe Steps, including their 24/7 crisis call centre and emergency accommodation. Dr. Tobin also gives insight into the high-risk assessment process and the innovative Sanctuary Pilot Program, which provides intensive wraparound support for those fleeing family violence. Listeners will gain a deeper understanding of the evolving nature of abuse, including technological and financial abuse, and how Safe Steps is helping those in need to address these complex issues. Dr. Tobin also shares insight into her upcoming trip overseas as part of the Churchill Fellowship, where she will study global models of crisis response for children with hopes to bring back innovative solutions to Australia. Tune in to learn more about the critical work of Safe Steps and gain a deeper understanding of how critical these services are. Guest Biography:Dr Chelsea Tobin is the CEO of Safe Steps Family Violence Response Centre.Chelsea believes all victim survivors of domestic and family violence deserve best practice services and support. She is passionate about providing the highest possible standard of care, particularly to marginalised people and is dedicated to ensuring that all children and young people are heard and understood as victim survivors in their own right.For almost two decades, Chelsea has been leading organisations as a CEO, Director, Non-Executive Director across family services, child protection, domestic violence services and disability.Having excelled in senior executive roles across both the profit and not for profit sector, Chelsea has a wealth of experience leading and empowering teams to deliver large scale socially and commercially impactful projects. Chelsea and her husband have been foster carers for more than ten years, experiencing first-hand the impact of family violence on young lives and the importance of multi-faceted and long-term responses to both repair and empower.Chelsea holds a PhD in economics and psychology from Monash University.Instagram: @strengthinnumbers_podEmail: hello@strengthinnumberspod.auDo you need support?This podcast includes discussions of domestic violence, and may be upsetting for some listeners. The following support services are free and confidential, and are available 24/7:If you have experienced or are at risk of domestic or family violence or sexual assault and need support you can call the national counselling service on1800RESPECT (1800 737 732)The Kids Helpline is a free service for young people aged 5 to 25 and can be reached on 1800 551 800Lifeline offers personal crisis support services. Call them on 131 114.MensLine Australia supports both those affected by family and domestic violence, as well as offering support to people using violence. Call them on 1300 789 978.In an emergency, or if you are in immediate danger, please call 000.Support the Show.

Send us your feedback or questions for our guests!Strength in Numbers - Episode 2: Annabelle Daniel OAM, CEO of Women's Community SheltersPlease subscribe now by hitting follow, so we can continue doing what we do!In this episode of Strength in Numbers, we speak with Annabelle Daniel OAM, the CEO of Women's Community Shelters (WCS). Annabelle shares her journey from a legal background to becoming a leading advocate for women and children in crisis. She provides deep insights into the vital role of WCS, which establishes and supports shelters across New South Wales to offer safe accommodation and support services for those escaping domestic violence and homelessness.Annabelle outlines the alarming rate of homelessness among women and children in NSW, highlighting the systemic challenges they face. She emphasises the importance of innovative solutions, such as repurposing underutilised spaces for temporary housing, to address the immediate needs of those in crisis. We also speak about the complexities of the legal system and the need for coordinated efforts to ensure the safety and well-being of vulnerable populations.I also get to learn about the "Walk the Talk" initiative, which engages young people in respectful relationships education and community support for local shelters. This program not only educates but also empowers students to take positive actions in their communities.Tune in to learn more about the critical work of Women's Community Shelters and the ongoing efforts to support women and children facing homelessness and domestic violence in NSW.Guest Biography:Annabelle Daniel OAM is the CEO of Women's Community Shelters, an organisation dedicated to establishing and supporting shelters across New South Wales. With a legal background and extensive experience in social justice, Annabelle has been a driving force in helping establish safe havens for women and children escaping domestic violence and homelessness. Her commitment to community-driven solutions and advocacy for vulnerable populations have earned her an Order of Australia Medal (OAM) for her service to the community.Instagram: @strengthinnumbers_podEmail: hello@strengthinnumberspod.auDo you need support?This podcast includes discussions of domestic violence, and may be upsetting for some listeners. The following support services are free and confidential, and are available 24/7:If you have experienced or are at risk of domestic or family violence or sexual assault and need support you can call the national counselling service on1800RESPECT (1800 737 732)The Kids Helpline is a free service for young people aged 5 to 25 and can be reached on 1800 551 800Lifeline offers personal crisis support services. Call them on 131 114.MensLine Australia supports both those affected by family and domestic violence, as well as offering support to people using violence. Call them on 1300 789 978.In an emergency, or if you are in immediate danger, please call 000.Support the Show.

Send us your feedback or questions for our guests!Content Warning: Descriptions of Domestic Violence and Sexual AssaultJoin us for our first episode with Dr. Karen Williams, a consultant psychiatrist in New South Wales, as she shares her experiences in understanding and treating PTSD and complex trauma caused by domestic violence and coercive control. Recorded at the Ramsay Clinic in Thiruil, Australia's first women's only hospital treating trauma, this episode dives into her discoveries about the impact of abuse on women's health.Dr. Williams recounts her first days as an intern in a psychiatric unit, where she met a patient whose story highlighted the failures in recognising and treating domestic violence. Through this powerful narrative, she reveals the often overlooked link between trauma and mental health diagnoses, shedding light on the problems within the medical and psychiatric fields.We also explore the concept of coercive control, the changes made since Dr. Williams' testimony to the Joint Select Committee in 2021, and the ongoing challenges faced by survivors in seeking justice and support. Dr. Williams explains how coercive control shows up, its long-term effects on survivors, and the critical need for trauma-informed care.Listeners will learn about the the complexities of trauma recovery, the importance of community and safe spaces, and the role of healthcare professionals in providing compassionate and informed care. This episode is essential for anyone wanting to understand the deep impact of domestic violence and how we can support survivors.Tune in to hear Dr. Williams' expert perspective and learn how we can all help create a safer, more understanding society.Please subscribe now by hitting follow, so we can continue to do what we do!Instagram: @strengthinnumbers_podEmail: hello@strengthinnumberspod.auDo you need support?This podcast includes discussions of domestic violence, and may be upsetting for some listeners. The following support services are free and confidential, and are available 24/7:If you have experienced or are at risk of domestic or family violence or sexual assault and need support you can call the national counselling service on1800RESPECT (1800 737 732)The Kids Helpline is a free service for young people aged 5 to 25 and can be reached on 1800 551 800Lifeline offers personal crisis support services. Call them on 131 114.MensLine Australia supports both those affected by family and domestic violence, as well as offering support to people using violence. Call them on 1300 789 978.In an emergency, or if you are in immediate danger, please call 000.Support the Show.