Using understanding and compassion when working with people who've experienced sexual assault

When working with anyone who has experienced trauma, we can expect there to be varying degrees of responses. We often don’t consider the prevalence of sexual assault in our own communities or with the clients we work with, and therefore can be confronted, confused, or even frustrated with how some people may act in our service. In this talk, Imogen hopes to provide some insight into the prevalence of sexual assault, but more so how to respond to all our clients from a trauma informed perspective. Imogen hopes this will guide you to having more confidence to respond if someone disclosures past or current abuse, and a general consideration why a person may act the way they do.

Presenter

Imogen Fisher is a social worker who started her social work career in child protection, and then moved into working for NSW Health as a paediatric/maternity community social worker doing in reach into the hospital. During that time she worked in a pilot project called “New Directions” which was aimed at supporting Australian Indigenous Women and Children 0-8 connect with and navigate the health system.

After leaving the project, she began working with the Tamworth Sexual Assault Service doing crisis on call sexual assault responses, ongoing counselling, and preparation and court support. Imogen recently changed roles completely to working with the Joint Child Protection Response Program as a Health Clinician with NSW health which is a tri-agency initiative working with children, young people, and families when a child has been subject to sexual abuse, physical abuse, and severe neglect where criminal charges may be laid. Imogen still continues to do sexual assault crisis on call work, as well as casual shifts in the ED.

Imogen is very passionate about individuals and how their mental and physical health align, as well as working from a trauma informed perspective.

Host

Women's, Men's and Pelvic Health National Group

Date of Live Event

12/10/2022

CPD Hours

0.5 Hour

Please note: The content of this Lecture on Demand (LOD) was captured via a recording of a live lecture at the APA premises. Due to the nature of the event and the recording method, this LOD may not have captured some of the questions/comments from live audience. Your purchase of this module indicates your acceptance of this.