Child sexual abuse (CSA) and Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) communities
An education program for service providers
Wondering why so few CALD victims/survivors access your services?
Come and learn about what's holding them back from speaking up... the barriers may be deeper than you realise. Once you know what they are, you can deliver a safe and compassionate service to someone who walks through your door and may have no one else to turn to.
Covid-19
Thoughts of good health to you and your family are extended at this time.
All course offerings
You can select the Full Course (recommended) or each Module separately. Prices are consistent with the Australian Association of Social Workers' (AASW) industry standards.
Things to keep in mind about which course to select and managing time
If your time is limited, or you just want to 'sample' first, you can purchase each Module separately and add as you go.
Enrolling in the Full Course offers you 5 hrs CPD, and a 10% discount off the regular price. Further discounts are available to organisations enrolling multiple staff.
If you are a practitioner, researcher, or policy developer, it is recommended you complete the Full Course as this is in the best interest of CALD victims/survivors of child sexual abuse.
If you are an interpreter looking for a short professional development course, Module 5 has been designed for you. You are also welcome to engage with the Full Course if you wish.
Features of the program
Benefits to you and your organisation when you enrol
You are in charge of your time
All courses/modules are self-paced, so once you have enrolled you can complete these at any time you like. There is also no expiry date, and CPD Certificates are issued immediately upon completion.
You can share what you know with others
Contribution to Discussion Forums are an opportunity to share practice wisdom, and transform and deepen your learning, but are not compulsory. You can engage with as many as like - this is completely your choice.
Your service organisation will be listed as culturally sensitive
After completing the Full Course (or all six Modules separately), your organisation will be listed on the 'No More Silence' Project website, so that CALD victims/survivors can more easily locate culturally sensitive services in their area.
Actually, I'm nervous about enrolling...
No one really talks about this topic, so maybe you're thinking you should stay silent too? If any of the thoughts or questions below are on your mind, then it might be time for you to find a spark of courage and learn more. If you feel more confident about your knowledge, you will be better placed to help someone who rarely gets it. This course can transform your understanding of what culturally safe and compassionate work really means.
I've worked with CALD victims/survivors of child sexual abuse, but wished I knew more. I was worried about getting it 'wrong'. I'd like to learn about this at a deep level (FULL COURSE).
I have concerns about the term 'CALD', but can't quite put my finger on it. Are there other better terms - NESB (non-English speaking background), BME (Black and minority ethnic), POC (person of colour), or migrant and refugee communities? (MODULE 1).
I trust numbers and research data as accurately reflecting the objective truth, but should I? Can we talk about child sexual abuse and CALD communities without talking about racism? (MODULE 2).
Do groups differ in their belief of myths about child sexual abuse, and what impact does that have on the mental health of victims/survivors from different groups? Do groups differ on value for 'female purity' and 'male honour'? What is shared across cultures in the experience of child sexual abuse? (MODULE 3).
As a frontline practitioner, am I more responsible for delivering 'cultural competency' or is it the organisation I work at? What exactly should practitioners and organisations be doing? Is there a checklist I can consult so that I don't feel so overwhelmed by the complexity in this area? (MODULE 4).
I am an interpreter who has been engaged for matters involving sexual assault or domestic violence, but did not feel that my knowledge was sufficiently developed. I know I need to learn more, so that I do not further increase risk of harm to clients (MODULE 5).
What are the real key issues in this area, and how can I join the conversation to continue growing the sophistication of theory, knowledge, and practice in it? (MODULE 6).
Okay, what does the program look like?
If you now feel more confident that the content of this program meets your professional development needs and interests, but want to know more about its format, watch this video...
Feeling ready to enrol, but just want a bit more information?
About the instructor
Dr Pooja Sawrikar is the leading academic in this area in Australia, but has designed this course for national and international audiences
Across her 20-year career as an academic, she has worked at the School of Human Services and Social Work at Griffith University, the Social Policy Research Centre at the University of New South Wales, and the Department of Psychology at The University of Sydney. Her PhD is in Psychology, and her Postdoctoral Fellowship in Social Work/Social Policy. She has taught over 10,000 students Psychology and Research Methods subjects, and conducted commissioned research for Australian state and federal governments, and national and international non-government organisations (NGOs). Her research areas and publications cover racism, sexism, child protection, domestic violence, culturally appropriate service delivery, culture, migration, mental illness, and social cognition.
Testimonials - What are other people saying about this program?
Professionals from over 50 different service organisations across Australia have already completed this course. Here is some of the feedback from an anonymous survey on program satisfaction.
"This program is interesting and thought provoking".
"I liked being presented to as colleagues/professionals on an intellectual level and not ‘dumbing down’ the contents".
"I have gained a stronger vocabulary in which to discuss this topic. Absolutely fantastic presentation – thank you so much for your time and wisdom".
"I liked best Pooja’s knowledge in this area. I really enjoyed the deconstruction of data and looking behind the stories".
"I loved the acknowledgement of the complexity of the area and your ability to express this – but also propose a way forward".
"I liked everything. I really enjoyed Pooja’s approach to delivering this information. It was so engaging and informative. I just wanted to hear more. It was so interesting and relevant as a sexual assault counselor".
"I liked best the facilitator and the content. It was a refreshing/informative session, tapping onto anthropological and psychological concepts that operate on service providers, so that we can increase our awareness on unconscious biases when assisting “diverse” people".
"This program was one of the most comprehensive child sexual abuse and cultural competence training I have been to. It got the point across without upsetting white people, but giving a need for further learning and reflection".
"I thoroughly enjoyed Dr Sawrikar’s presentation. It was both enlightening and educational. The content was fleshed out with fact, theory, and experience – awesome event! I commend Dr Sawrikar in starting a difficult conversation. I liked the resources and group discussion – it helped to process the information. The facilitator’s passion helped to take note and self reflect".
"Everything was relevant. Very comprehensive information. Most frank factual approach, especially in relation to societal and other factors/barriers impacting this sector. Very insightful and thorough. Very well delivered. Outstanding presentation style. Impressive session. Addressing sensitive areas/issues with sensitivity and also with absolute honesty".
Options for engaging with the content of this course
There are different ways depending on your needs
Individualised Modules ($49-$494 AUD)
Choosing to complete each Module separately provides you with full flexibility over your time. You can start with the Module that is of most interest to you and build on from there, without committing to all of them. If you end up completing all six Modules this way, the total price will be $494 AUD.
MOST POPULAR - Full Course ($445 AUD)
Researchers and practitioners tend to have different interests, but bridging theoretical and translational knowledge is best for CALD victims/survivors. Enrolling in the Full Course still provides you the flexibility of working through the Modules in the order you wish, while also giving you immediate access to information you may not have first realised was important.
Speaking in-person ($$$)
This education/training program was converted to online mode so that it could reach as many people as possible. Organisations with several regional offices particularly appreciate online accessibility. It is also cost effective because in-person presentations tend to exceed the limited resources of not-for-profit organisations. Invitations to speak will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
Curious for a quick sneak peek?
You can preview snippets from the Learning Videos within each Module.
'CALD' stands for Culturally and Linguistically Diverse, and refers to non-Indigenous and non-Anglo communities in Australia. The term is also used in New Zealand and Canada. People in the UK will know this group as 'BAME' (Black, Asian, and minority ethnic), and people in the US will know this group as 'POC' (person of colour).
Is this program only for Australians?
No. The program's focus is on migrant and refugee communities in Western countries (English and non-English dominant). However, it can still be used by those in non-Western countries (South America, East Europe, Asia, Middle East, Africa, Caribbean, Pacifica, etc.).
Has this program been CPD-endorsed?
Yes. This course has been endorsed for Continuing Professional Development (CPD) by the Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW), because social workers are the most common type of service provider who enrol in this program. However, the program is open to all types of relevant service providers (e.g. social workers, counselors, psychologists, GPs, psychiatrists, legal advisors, interpreters, etc.).
Which backgrounds do service providers typically work in?
Registrants work in a range of areas including sexual assault, domestic and family violence, child protection, mental health, and/or migrant and refugee community welfare.
I am an educator, should I complete this program?
There are plans to engage with culturally diverse schools to enhance learning about how to respond to disclosures of child sexual abuse by CALD students in culturally appropriate ways. However, this rigorous research has not yet been conducted. In the interim, completing this program can still help. This is also the case if you work in a child care centre, or tertiary education such as TAFE, colleges, universities, etc. (More information can be found here: www.nomoresilence.info/structure).
I am a parent, can I complete this program?
Yes. You might be a parent/guardian from a CALD community who has come across this work and are curious about its contents. You will still get the Certificate of Completion, but the content may help you deeply understand things you have been grappling with in your family. While the program's focus is on culturally sensitive service delivery, you are welcome to engage with knowledge that can make you feel empowered. It may start a journey of seeking further help, and it can help you protect your children from perpetrators better. If you are able to understand this website, you will have the required English proficiency to engage with the program. Your confidentiality will be strictly assured and protected; no one will know that you have enrolled unless you tell them.
Do I have to watch the Learning Videos?
Yes, the Learning Videos are prerequisites for CPD Certificates of Completion. They are all captioned for accessibility. In total, they go for 3.5 hours, and can be viewed at any time. The PowerPoints can be downloaded, so that you can follow along with a hard copy if you wish. Once you have registered, you can re-access the materials as often as you like (Learning Videos, PowerPoints, additional readings, course/module outlines, Discussion Forums).
Do I have to engage in the Discussion Forums?
No, engagement is completely your choice; your right to privacy and self-determination are respected. You may not engage at all, or you may do it privately rather than publicly. Sharing with others does offer you the potential for in-depth transformative learning. All questions are open-ended; they do not 'test' knowledge. Posts that promote respectful dialogue are sought. Unethical posts that are racist, sexist, classist, disablist, ageist, or homophobic will be removed. (NOTE: all people who register in the course will be able to see your name and comment when you make a post to the Discussion Forums. If you do not make any post, then no one will know that you have enrolled in the program).
You said this program has been evaluated, where can I read that research report?
This course was first delivered in face-to-face mode in four cities around Australia - Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, and Adelaide. It was rigorously evaluated before being converted to online mode. The report with the findings of that study can be found here: www.nomoresilence.info/publications/
Just to be clear, who has this program been designed for?
Different modules will be of particular interest to different users
Counselors, social workers, psychologists, and legal advisors
Are recommended to complete the Full Course for holistic knowledge.
GPs and psychiatrists
Are recommended to complete the Full Course, but find Module 4 most relevant.
Researchers, program trainers, and policy developers
Are recommended to complete the Full Course, but find Modules 1-3 most relevant.
Interpreters
Complete Module 5, but are also encouraged to complete Module 1.
Parents/guardians, educators, community volunteers, and others
Are recommended to complete the Full Course for holistic empowerment.
What this program respects
Your limited time and resources
Your right to privacy and confidentiality
Your right to self-determination
Your right to knowledge and desire for empowerment
Your personal strength and wisdom
Your care for the safety and well-being of children
Your desire for intellectual challenge and stimulation
Your desire to be compassionate to yourself and others
What you will get from this program
Confidence in your knowledge
Competency in ethical and informed decision-making
Deeper understanding about yourself
Email contact and support
Reach out at any time for any reason
The program
Do you have a specific query about the program content, or want to provide a comment about your experience of it?
Higher education studies
Are you thinking about doing a PhD in this area and wish to inquire about supervision?
Collaborations
Do you have ideas for industry-based or international research collaborations?
Media and invitations to speak
Do you have a media enquiry, or would like to discuss possible presentations?
Technical support
Registration is a simple process, but if you hit a snag Thinkific offer 24/7 support.
Service managers enrolling 5 or more staff into the Full Course are eligible for further discounts *
Enrolling 5 - 29 staff
Attracts a 15-25% discount.
Enrolling 30 - 49 staff
Attracts a 30-40% discount.
Enrolling 50+ staff
Attracts a 50% discount.
* Are you a large organisation...
Looking to make this CPD course mandatory?
Large organisations such as child protection authorities can adopt this course as mandatory for all staff. The training foregrounds child sexual abuse and cultural competency, but also addresses patriarchy and white privilege; knowledge required for safe and just/equitable institutional work practice and a non-rhetorical demonstration of organisational commitment to the Black Lives Matter movement. Contact Dr Pooja Sawrikar via email to discuss.
Myths and misconceptions about child sexual abuse
There's a gap between what people believe and the truth - knowledge is the only thing that can close it
It's a Western problem
The truth is, child sexual abuse is a problem in every country and culture. This myth can lead to complete shock and disbelief by parents, but when children are not believed they are at high risk for severe mental ill-health.
It's normal because libido is
The truth is, child sexual abuse is a crime. Perpetrators overestimate the ability of children to give consent as a way of trying to reduce their culpability/blameworthiness. Child sexual abuse is a criminal abuse of power.
Most perpetrators are strangers
The truth is, more than 90% of child victims/survivors have been abused by someone they know (fathers, step-fathers, uncles, cousins, teachers, neighbours, other children, etc.).
Children who have been abused will be fine
The truth is, anywhere up to 80% of victims/survivors will experience some mental ill-health as a result of childhood sexual abuse. Severe ill-health can include post-traumatic stress disorder, bipolar disorder, and borderline personality disorder.
It's essentially universal
The truth is, some parts of the psychosocial experience of child sexual abuse is shared across cultures and some of it is not. Unless we understand similarities and differences, we do children from all groups a disservice.
Knowledge is power
The more accurate your knowledge is, the better able you are to protect your children from harm
These are only some myths and misconceptions about child sexual abuse, there are many more. If you believe or are shocked by them, and remain afraid of them, the effect is silence. Even if unintentional, silence condones the abuse of children. Slowly taking a look inside to face what is hard, challenging, and scary can be a small but important and powerful step in the right direction. The effects will last well into the future across the generations of your family.
Where do I get started?
Just click below and select the course/s you are interested in
LOOK OUT FOR FUTURE DISCOUNTS - This one has now closed.
* LIMITED TIME OFFER * 20% off the Full Course for End of Financial Year Sale - Expires 30 June 2020 (use this Coupon Code to get your discount from the one-time payment plan: eofys2020)
This course is endorsed for Continuing Professional Development (CPD) by the Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW)
The AASW Endorsed CPD logo is a trade mark of the Australian Association of Social Workers Ltd used under licence. The AASW is not responsible for the course content.
Acknowledgment and Disclaimer
The use of the Griffith University video recording studio is acknowledged. The views expressed in this program are of those of the researcher's only, and not of Griffith University.
We all share a desire for the right to full and unapologetic personhood, but we do not share access to that right equally
I acknowledge the traditional owners of the land on which I live, and pay my respects to Indigenous elders past, present, and emerging for their custodianship of land, culture, and tradition, and guidance through and survivorship of colonial dispossession, oppression, and trauma across the generations
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