From miniature ponies and trauma-informed dentistry to boxing, justice and art – forum explores the many roads to recovery for victims of sexual assault.

Wednesday, February 19 Melbourne Interviews available. 

A new vision for sexual violence recovery in Victoria 

Sexual Violence: The Right to Recovery is a unique event bringing together world-leading academics, practitioners in the sexual assault services sector and other experts to explore what actually works in supporting survivors of sexual violence to recover and rebuild their lives. The sold-out event, convened by Victoria’s peak body for sexual assault services, Sexual Assault Services Victoria (SASVic) takes place in Melbourne on Wednesday February 19.  

"Victorian specialist sexual assault services know what works for survivors, but an outdated funding model is standing in the way" says SASVic CEO Kathleen Maltzahn. Ms Maltzahn points to other models that can form an important part of someone's recovery including: 

• group therapy;  

• trauma-informed dental services;  

• equine therapy;  

• art therapy; 

• and even creative writing combined boxing lessons.  

"The current funding model is too narrow and limits choice for survivors - there are groundbreaking programs ready to be rolled out across the state." 

Highlights of Sexual Violence: The Right to Recovery include: 

Discussion of The REACH Project which interviewed victim survivors and practitioners about what aids people to recover. The research also focused on people with disability who are over-represented as victim survivors but are at times poorly catered for by current services. 

The potential of non-traditional therapies including equine therapy, art therapy, trauma-informed dental services and group boxing classes to complement one-to-one counselling. There will be a guest appearance by Ghost the miniature pony alongside Tama Green, Equine Assisted Learning Practitioner and practical demonstrations of boxing and art therapy. (Interviews with therapists and trauma-informed dentist Dr Sharonne Zaks available.)  

How policing and the justice system aids recovery – or causes more trauma. 

The role of group work, particularly for less catered groups such as people with disability.

Evaluating what actually works in terms of “recovery” (Interviews available.)  

Recovery for children who are victims of exploitation. (Interviews available.) 

"It's the role of government and the wider community to prevent sexual violence,” observes Ms Maltzahn. “When it does, the least we can do is support those impacted to recover."