What it is: A six to eight-week group program for women who have experienced domestic and family violence or sexual abuse. The program was developed by Melbourne psychologist Ursula Benstead, who has over twenty years of experience running groups for women and has shaped the program based on feedback from thousands of survivors.
How it works: The program uses the powerful Shark Cage metaphor, storytelling, creative activities and trauma-informed approaches to help victim survivors:
- Recognise healthy relationships
- Understand the impacts of trauma
- Manage strong emotions
- Develop assertiveness skills
- Build self-worth and empowerment
- Challenge victim blaming and interrupt patterns of abuse
Each group creates their own unique Shark Cage wall mural using art pieces they’ve made together during the program.
Where to access it in Tasmania:
CatholicCare Tasmania (statewide)
- Locations: Devonport, Burnie, Launceston, and Hobart
- Also offers a program for young women aged 12-17
- Phone: 1800 819 447
Engender Equality (statewide)
- For people aged 15 and over
- Groups run at Engender Equality locations and in partnership with Child and Family Learning Centres
- Phone: (03) 6278 9090
Huon Domestic Violence Service (Huon Valley)
- For young and adult women
- Part of their free confidential counselling and recovery programs
- Phone (03) 6264 2222
Yemaya Domestic Violence Service
- An 8 week program for women who have been abused in family violence
- Regular group program
- Supportive, respectful and focused on helping women feel stronger and more in control of their live
All facilitators are trained counsellors who have completed specialist training with Ursula Benstead. The programs are free and funded by the Tasmanian Government.
To find a group near you, contact one of these services or call Safe at Home on 1800 633 937.