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Understanding, empathy & support from the author of Circling The Wagons
Dragonfly = transformation, renewal, resilience.
I established the Dragonfly Advocacy website, after publishing my book, as a place for readers to reach out to me. But it has become so much more than that.
The more involved I got in the area of assisting adult survivors of childhood sexual abuse and also child protection, the more I came to realise that my website could include so many
I established the Dragonfly Advocacy website, after publishing my book, as a place for readers to reach out to me. But it has become so much more than that.
The more involved I got in the area of assisting adult survivors of childhood sexual abuse and also child protection, the more I came to realise that my website could include so many different features.
Such as –
· My blogs about my self-discoveries around IFCSA
· Videos from my speaking events or poetry readings
· How to keep your kids safe online from predators re – sextortion etc.
· Organisations against Sexual Violence and counselling services – Laurel Place & Isabella Semeraro
· Men’s services such as SAMSN – Survivors & Mates Support Network
· Educational Podcasts – CAPE and Gloria Masters
· Organisations in Aus for help with – child abuse prevention/support, mental health support and suicide prevention, domestic violence support, cyber safety and adult survivor resources etc.
I have now been a guest speaker at
Please note - My role is of an advocate only. “Advocate” - a person who publicly supports or recommends a particular cause. My opinions and views should not take the place of your professionals.
Circling The Wagons Paperback is available for sale on my website (section below) for $35 delivered throughout Australia. Also Bookstores in Qld - listed further down.
EBOOK & PAPERBACK - AVAILABLE NOW GLOBALLY on online retailers such as Amazon, Barnes & Noble etc.
"Circling The Wagons" is a firsthand account of a survivor's struggles to
Circling The Wagons Paperback is available for sale on my website (section below) for $35 delivered throughout Australia. Also Bookstores in Qld - listed further down.
EBOOK & PAPERBACK - AVAILABLE NOW GLOBALLY on online retailers such as Amazon, Barnes & Noble etc.
"Circling The Wagons" is a firsthand account of a survivor's struggles to reclaim her life after dealing with intra-familial childhood sexual abuse trauma hidden within a family environment. Written for other survivors and friends/family members of survivors to get a true, in-depth and honest look into the devastating effects hidden abuse can have, when it is not dealt with for decades.
Testimonials
What a powerful message you are giving to survivors of all types of abuse. This is not your secret, it's your story! Shannon R.
What an honour to be trusted with your story Deb. Your journey has not defined you as a person, but one that will inspire others to stand up and be heard and hopefully let the healing begin. Donna P
Deborah has reclaimed her strength, courage, confidence and power in writing this book. I hope that by reading it many others in a similar situation, will be able to release guilt and self-blame and finally heal. Cynthia
Hi, I'm Deb!
I not only endured my own abuse from a family member growing up and was silenced, but then heard stories from so many others over the years. This led me to try to help other survivors by telling my own story on Bravehearts website in their survivor stories section.
Standing up in 2023 to advocate for others and to say th
Hi, I'm Deb!
I not only endured my own abuse from a family member growing up and was silenced, but then heard stories from so many others over the years. This led me to try to help other survivors by telling my own story on Bravehearts website in their survivor stories section.
Standing up in 2023 to advocate for others and to say this happened to me, opened up a dialogue with many survivors who had experienced similar abuse.
I have continued my journey of advocacy by lending my lived experiences to survivor led workshops and also speaking events.
And of course I'm here to support, educate and encourage adult childhood abuse survivors to find the peace they all deserve.
My ongoing mission is to help other adult survivors find their way through their pain and trauma to the other side, where healing and acceptance lives.
#sameherenoshamehere
adult child abuse survivors
Locations to pick up a copy of my paperback -
Circling the wagons was an amazing read and experience, as a childhood sexual abuse survivor myself, I was able to connect and relate to this book very easily. I had many moments reading this book that I could relate to, this has helped me to identify what steps I need to take next and support me to have confidence as an adult survivor.
Reading this book has great insights of what a survivor of childhood abuse may encounter through life and how to navigate through this. For such a difficult topic to write about, Deb has written with such passion and a clear purpose to help others through their healing. Thank you, Deb, for having the courage to write a challenging and sharing personal aspects of your life, for the benefit of others.
Absolutely highly recommend for anyone that wants a perspective from someone that has lived experience firsthand and how to enhance your life with simple and easy strategies to find your pathway to healing.
John Cardamone
Speaker, Educator and survivor
As adults, our responsibility is to protect our children, and one of the most effective ways to do this is through education. Body Safe Cards are here to help start those important conversations about body safety, boundaries and trust in an easy and engaging way.
Created by John Cardamone, a senior educator, speaker, and survivor of child abuse, John’s Body Safe Cards offer a valuable tool for empowering children.
Using simple, age-appropriate language and engaging activities, the Body Safe Cards introduce essential concepts such as personal boundaries, identifying trusted adults, and knowing what to do if children ever feel unsafe.
Available in physical format, these practical, easy-to-use flashcards are perfect for use at home, in the car, or on the go, making them a convenient resource for teaching vital safety skills.
Physical cards are available mid January and only for orders placed in Australia. Postage is included in the price.
Click below to buy or contact John
Deb is a local Brisbane woman who has become an author, adult survivor advocate and lived experience speaker. Standing up in 2023 to say this happened to her, has opened up so many opportunities for Deb to help other adult survivors to understand they are not alone. She wrote her book "Circling The Wagons" to help survivors understand better what they went through. Her book was also written for family members or friends of survivors, to understand all the impacts a survivor goes through and the negative ways survivors continue to hurt themselves while trying to deal with their trauma.
Within Deb's advocacy work she has travelled to Canberra to teach frontline workers what red flags to look out for to help save future children from abuse.
Deb co-presented at The Daniel Morcombe Foundation "Bright Futures" forum in October 2024.
Deb also spent this last year working on the AVA project - Amplifying the voices of victim-survivors: Advancing the harmful sexual behaviour evidence base roundtable - in Melbourne - November 2024, run by the University of Melbourne. She was one of five survivors who presented their key messages to policy makers for future reforms in child abuse prevention and education techniques.
Deb was guest speaker at Laurel Place's "Sexual Violence Awareness Month" event at Caboolture in October 2024. She explained how due to her abuse as a small girl, she continued to find herself in unsafe relationships in her teens and adulthood. One of Deb's focuses is getting abused teenagers help before they head down the road of negative, toxic and destructive pathways. She wants to try to help and educate young people early on, so they can heal and move forward in a healthy way.
Deb has also spoken on "The Cape - child abuse prevention education" podcast by an ex WA detective and "Handing the shame back" NZ podcasts to explain intra-familial abuse repercussions and is currently working on several editions of a USA podcast.
I was listening to a podcast (WNMOT - "we need more of this") with Scott Rado from NZ recently, and I heard Jared Whitaker's story of domestic abuse he suffered at the hands of his female partner. Ok now when you look at his picture above, you are gonna have some all too common responses. But I urge you to listen to this episode so you
I was listening to a podcast (WNMOT - "we need more of this") with Scott Rado from NZ recently, and I heard Jared Whitaker's story of domestic abuse he suffered at the hands of his female partner. Ok now when you look at his picture above, you are gonna have some all too common responses. But I urge you to listen to this episode so you can learn just how this can play out and believe me, he's not alone!
Here's a link to this episode- https://lnkd.in/gmDsfVrt
What Jared is doing now -
I am an author, speaker, and advocate dedicated to raising awareness of the serious issues men face, particularly around domestic abuse and narcissistic relationships.
Formerly a CEO of a software firm, I shifted my focus after personal health challenges to devote my life to making a meaningful impact in this space.
Through my books, YouTube channel, and lived experience speaking engagements, I highlight the often-overlooked struggles men endure and work to promote healing, understanding, and equality for both men and women.
I also provide domestic abuse coaching to help others recognize abusive patterns, navigate recovery, and rebuild their lives.
My mission is to shine a light on these critical topics, challenge stigmas, and offer resources and support to those in need.
Click here to find out more or contact Jared - www.jaredwhitaker.com
“Paul was a WA Police Officer for 20 years with his last 6 years spent within Technology Crime.
Sextortion!
Paul says - Crimes which were once only ever experienced by adults are now affecting juveniles in huge numbers. Over the past 5 years in particular, I have noticed a marked increase in the number
“Paul was a WA Police Officer for 20 years with his last 6 years spent within Technology Crime.
Sextortion!
Paul says - Crimes which were once only ever experienced by adults are now affecting juveniles in huge numbers. Over the past 5 years in particular, I have noticed a marked increase in the number of teenagers approaching me for assistance with some of the most serious of matters. Kids are making errors of judgement online and as their navigation of online environments grow with age, they are being exposed to more and more significant risk. One of the most concerning crimes being experienced by juveniles in more recent times is Sextortion.
Click here - https://www.surfonlinesafe.com.au/sextortion.html to find out more about what to and what not to do, if your child is targeted, and how to talk to your child about this heinous form of child abuse before it occurs.
SUPPORT FOR MALE SURVIVORS OF CHILD SEXUAL ABUSE
SUPPORT FOR MALE SURVIVORS OF CHILD SEXUAL ABUSE
During my advocacy work, I connected with Gloria Masters of "Handing the shame back" podcast.
I had the privelige to be on her show recently - To check out this episode click here - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jjc_KO48Ezk
Gloria is now an Author, Advocate and Survivor: and the woman behind the Global hand signal for under 16’s, released in June 2023.
Her charity in New Zealand helps with resources and the prevention and protection of children from sexual abuse. To find out more or make a donation, click on the link below.
I came across the CAPE podcast by ex WA Detective Kristi McVee. CAPE stands for Child Abuse Prevention and Education. Kristi speaks with a vast aray of experts and lived experience guests on her podcast. Kristi and her guests give specific information, advice and tools to assist and guide parents in keeping their kids safe from abuse. I have personally learnt a lot just from listening to a few of her episodes and due to her laid-back approach to interviewing, find her show very relatable and easy to listen to.
I had the privelige to be on her show recently - To check out this episode click here - https://www.cape-au.com/podcasts/the-cape-podcast/episodes/2148871978
I connected with Jason from - Beyond the Margins over social media, and he was kind enough to have myself and my fellow Australian survivor friend, John Cardamone, on a few of his new podcast episodes.
This conversation features John Cardamone and myself, both survivors of childhood abuse, we share our personal stories and advocacy efforts. We also discuss the importance of education on recognizing signs of abuse, the impact of family dynamics, and the need for supportive responses to disclosures. John introduces his Be Calmer framework for effective communication with survivors, while I talk about my book, Circling the Wagons, which aims to shed light on the complexities of intra-familial abuse. The discussion also highlights resources for survivors seeking help and the importance of lived experience in understanding trauma.
Reading "Resolve" by the talented Sunshine Coast woman Alice Perle, took me right back to my own childhood, including my own abuse.
I found it so relatable and easy to understand all the emotions that little Alice went through, and also the struggles that adult Alice had to deal with, in regards to the difficult family situations, later in life.
Little Alice does find her voice during her childhood, but the person she puts her trust in, betrays her in the worst way.
Hearing little Alice explain being scared to return home after school, was so distressing, as a child's home is supposed to be their safe place.
What a terrible experience for a child to try to navigate, but the strength of the woman who found her way through her own turmoil to try to help others, is astounding.
Alice is leading the way in Australia to desensitise an all too sensitive subject - sibling sexual abuse. She is doing ground breaking work in this arena of silence. And I am very proud to know her personally!
I would highly recommend this book for anyone who has suffered their own abuse, at the hands of a sibling.
Resolve is available on online retailers such as Amazon or direct from the author - link below
Reading this extraordinary memoir of sibling sexual abuse, brought up a lot of emotions for me personally, as a survivor myself of intra-familial childhood sexual abuse.
Jane’s depiction of the choices she made later in life, correlating specifically from her abuse as a young girl, shows just how damaging this early life abuse becomes, for survivors.
I loved the way Jane recounts the memories of her younger self at 19 onwards, her career choices back then and how this leads her into unsafe situations, never really understanding why at the time.
Jane ultimately comes to understand what really happened to her as a young girl, and shows us how abuse not dealt with finds a way to the surface and impacts every part of our later lives.
Her courage to speak up about this taboo subject to help others, is impactful, courageous and an inspiration to others who may also have been impacted by SSA.
I have recently connected with Jane and found her to be a strong, warm and welcoming woman!
I highly recommend this book for anyone wanting to understand SSA from a lived experience perspective.
I feel real guilty is available from online retailers such as amazon or direct from the author - link below
A woman warrior
Gloria Masters, the author of this book, is one of the strongest women I know! On Angels wings, is the only way this little girl could have survived her horrendous treatment.
Treatment no child or other living being should ever be subjected to.
Sex trafficked by her own father and grandmother; years of horrendous abuse of every kind, she never stood a chance of getting help.
You will be amazed at the strength of this woman, resilience of this young child, and overwhelmed by how so many people could miss all the signs of abuse, this little girl suffered.
A true story of survival and resilience!
Gloria now runs a charity in NZ helping to prevent and protect children from future and ongoing child sexual abuse.
She is the epitome of what true courage and resilience looks like and a very warm and caring individual. Anyone wanting to donate to a good cause - here it is!!!
On angels wings is available from online retailers such as Amazon or direct from the author - link below -
Guest speaker at "Moreton Bay Says No To Violence" Walk & Speaking event 31-5-24, opening up the dialogue of intra-familial childhood sexual abuse being a form of domestic violence. Abuse help
Click here to watch video
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1S8lkamTsc85Vw4VwSj-HIxvLu3d3G3EH/view?ts=665d47c1
Deb explains why "Intra-familial childhood sexual assault" should be included when speaking about "domestic violence." abuse help, adult survivors, adult child abuse survivors
Laurel Place Inc. is a community-based, government funded, free, specialised and confidential Counselling service. They provide counselling, support, information and education relating to sexual violence across the Sunshine Coast, Moreton Bay, Gympie and South Burnett areas.
Their staff are specialist sexual assault practitioners who hold a range of qualifications in Psychology, Social Work, Counselling and Human Services.
Adults and Young People's Program
Their Adults and Young People’s Program provides specialist sexual assault counselling and support to young people (aged 12 and over) and adults who have experienced sexual assault or abuse at any time in their lives. Counselling can also be provided to non-offending supporters, including parents, care-givers and partners of people who have experienced sexual assault or abuse.
https://www.laurelplace.com.au/services/adults-and-young-peoples-program
Other services they offer - First Response Program, Children & Families Program, First Nations Client Support Worker, RESET (Youth Sexual Violence) and Women's Space.
They have offices at – Maroochydore, Morayfield, Gympie and Murgon
Click here to get in touch - https://www.laurelplace.com.au/contact-us
About Isabella -
Isabella values kindness, understanding, honesty, and curiosity in her counselling practice. She focuses strongly on the therapeutic relationship between herself and her clients and believes that her clients are the experts in their own lives. Isabella works from a values-based and client-centered approach, utilising a mixture of narrative, creative, and somatic therapies. Isabella enjoys supporting and empowering clients from all walks of life to overcome challenges they may be facing.
Services Isabella offers -
Isabella is also currently working as a sexual assault counsellor at a not for profit organisation.
She feels privileged to walk alongside and hear the stories of survivor
To contact Isabella click here - https://www.isabellasemerarocounselling.com/contact
Thank you to Cordisco & Saile LLC in the USA, for reaching out to me to add these very important ride share safety tips to my advocacy website.
Link below for anyone living in the USA -
https://www.cordiscosaile.com/rideshare-safety-tips/
Disclaimer - Dragonfly advocacy has no professional affiliation with
Cordisco & Saile LLC.
Blue Knot - https://blueknot.org.au
Partners Speak - https://www.partnerspeak.org.au
Knowmore - https://knowmore.org.au
The Daniel Morcombe Foundation -
John Cardamone - Body Safe Cards
https://johncardamone.com.au/body-safe-cards/
Safe4kids - https://safe4kids.com.au
Lifeline Australia - https://www.lifeline.org.au
Kids Helpline - https://kidshelpline.com.au
Beyond Blue - https://www.beyondblue.org.au
Encircle - https://encircle.org.au
1800Respect - https://www.1800respect.org.au
White Ribbon - https://whiteribbon.org.au/helplines/
DVConnect - https://www.dvconnect.org
Surf Online Safe - https://surfonlinesafe.com.au
esafety - https://www.esafety.gov.au
esafekids - https://www.esafekids.com.au
Youth Law Australia - https://yla.org.au
Think U Know - https://www.thinkuknow.org.au
Circling the Wagons paperback - https://dragonflyadvocacy.com.au/ols/products/circling-the-wagons-paperback
Handing The Shame Back - https://www.handingtheshameback.org
Blueknot - https://blueknot.org.au
Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
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