The Australian Psychological Society (APS) has urged survivors of sexual abuse to seek professional support if media coverage of sexual abuse triggers distress.
APS President Ros Knight said survivors of childhood sexual abuse in particular may find recent news reports extremely upsetting. "They can trigger emotions that may be hard to deal with, such as anger, sadness or distress. People can feel re-traumatised," said Ms Knight.
She said however that survivors, friends and family would experience a range of responses to news, and some would cope relatively well. "If you've been surviving well, now is the time to draw on the self-care strategies that have worked for you," she said.
Ms Knight also urged people to call on their support network. "Don't remain isolated in your discomfort. Talk with trusted family, friends or anyone who understands your background and why this news is difficult or triggering for you."
Ms Knight said people who were feeling distressed should not hesitate to reach out for professional help.
"This could be a psychologist counsellor you've trusted in the past, a crisis service such as Lifeline, or specialised childhood trauma or sexual assault services such as Blue Knot, the Victorian Centre Against Sexual Assault or 1800 Respect," she said.
She added that people who have not had their sexual abuse experiences heard before may now wish to talk to someone about this, and these professional supports can be helpful.
