S2 Ep19 Let down and abandoned with Mel James

CONTENT WARNING - language warning, discussing grooming, child sexual abuse, long term abuse and sexual assault



In this episode, Kristi talks with Mel James, lived experience child sexual abuse survivor and advocate for First Nations women enduring systems abuse. 

Mel talks about her personal experience with grooming and child sexual abuse, by a person in authority, who used their position of power in the community to get close to her and her family to abuse her. Mel's abuse lasted more than 10 years and was witnessed by other adults who could have protected her. 



This is an in-depth conversation about the complex nature of grooming and abuse, and how it can leave lifelong impacts for children along with raising concerns about the conduct and beliefs of supposed 'safe' adults and their lack of action and advocacy for children when it's their job to do so. 



To follow or connect with Mel James on TikTok www.tiktok.com/uniqueteam2024 (http://www.tiktok.com/uniqueteam2024)  or LinkedIn www.linkedin.com/in/mel-j-67b5a520a (  / mel-j-67b5a520a  )  



If any part of the show causes distress, please seek support and help from either the following services or from your own family doctor/psychologist or counsellor. 



Lifeline - 131114



Beyond Blue - 1300 224 636



Service Assisting Male Survivors of Sexual Assault (SAMSSA) - (02) 6287 3935



1800 Respect - 1800 737 732



For more information or resources please visit the CAPE-AU website at www.cape-au.com (http://www.cape-au.com) .