Stepping Out Program

18/06/2026

Save the date for another important event by Tanya Lee which tackles the taboo around intrafamilial child s*xual abuse or, in plainer terms, in**st. There will be a screening of a short film by Zoe Carides which captures so well the family dynamics that so often enable and hide abuse, even when its in plain sight. Following will be a panel discussion moderated by Jane Caro with our CEO Melissa Holmes , lived experience advocate and event organiser Tanya Lee and the irrepressible survivor and former Australian of the Year, Grace Tame Grace Tame - watch this space for more info ⭐️💛🌼

08/06/2026

What is the link between disordered eating symptoms and trauma-related symptoms? 💭

Researchers from Curtin University want to speak to people with and without disordered eating behaviours and trauma-related symptoms, to better understand how these symptoms can intersect and enable more tailored support interventions for this cohort. 👥

Disordered eating behaviours can involve restricted eating, binge eating, and compensatory behaviours, while trauma-related symptoms may include experiencing upsetting thoughts, daily life disruptions, and increased stress following a traumatic event.

Participation involves completing a 40-minute online study here: https://curtin.au1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_aVKOh5VrZokrULI

This study has ethics approval HRE2026-0075. Any questions? Email researcher Alexandra Nelson at [email protected] 💻

29/05/2026

New group announcement! 🏃🏽‍♀️🤸‍♀️

Mobility Matters with Jo Spengeler is a supportive 8-week group designed to help you move with ease, improve balance, ease aches, and boost mood, all at your own pace in a welcoming, judgment-free space.

Starting 12 May, Tuesdays 2:15pm–3:15pm (8 weeks)
Cost: $5–$10 per session

Call reception on 9560 3011 to join!

26/05/2026

Stepping Out acknowledges the brutal and ongoing impacts of colonisation on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women, including the profound intergenerational trauma caused by systemic violence and injustice. We also acknowledge the extraordinary strength, resilience, and leadership of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women who continue to care for and sustain their families and communities in the face of that ongoing harm.

On National Sorry Day, we honour the Stolen Generations and recognise the continuing struggle for truth, recognition, justice, respect, and genuine reconciliation 🖤💛❤️

23/05/2026

Social Connection at Stepping Out 🌼

Every Friday, we run a social connection group for women survivors of child s*xual abuse which includes trauma-informed exercise, art projects, workshops and a healthy lunch. This is a peer support group with an unspoken understanding of a shared experience of childhood trauma and its complex impacts.

Each month, we do an outing to address social isolation felt by many CSA survivors. Yesterday, we went to Refettorio, Oz Harvest’s restaurant in Surry Hills - a social enterprise with Food for Soul - using rescued food, top-shelf chefs and friendly volunteers to provide a beautiful dining experience for those who might not otherwise have the opportunity to do so. The vegan menu was five-star, the space was elegant, the service was kind and the linen napkins provided dignity and a touch of fancy. Thank you to for a nurturing and nourishing experience.

Everyone is welcome, as everyone should be.

Refettorio holds Pay It Forward dinners on Wednesdays and Thursdays to fund this wonderful social enterprise. Two thumbs up from us! 👍👨‍🍳💛👍👨‍🍳💛

If you’re interested in our social connection program, please reach out to us at [email protected] 💛💛

09/05/2026

Mothers’ Day can be a tricky day for women survivors of child s*xual abuse.

When you weren’t kept safe as a child, it can affect relationships with intimate partners, your own kids and your family of origin. Many choose not to have children because their childhood was fraught. Many are estranged from family who minimise or dismiss their trauma.

Take care of yourself today and, if you need parenting support as a mother (or grandmother) with a trauma history, Stepping Out offers Circle of Security programs to catch up on memos missed in an unsafe childhood.

You can find us at [email protected] 💛💛💛

09/05/2026

No Laughing Matter Podcast Series tells stories of in**st, narrated by a familiar voice chosen by the survivor. Kate Rowe is a 78’er with 50 years clean and a story that encapsulates elements of restlessness and recklessness experienced by so many survivors. Julia Baird is a national treasure with her cultural and historical insights. Well worth a listen if you feel alone in your experience of CSA 💛💛💛

No Laughing Matter Podcast Season 7 is a bit different, but continues to share the stories of survivors through chosen, well-known voices.

Listen to this story via the link in bio
Season 7 - Under Our Roof
Episode 2: “They Know Not What They Do”
Narrated by Julia Baird

Words by story-teller / survivor Kate Rowe:

“The journey of being part of this podcast was an experience if support, honesty, and willingness to be open.

I was humbled when Julia Baird agreed to read my story.

I requested Julia because I have been an admirer of her for years and felt she would be empathic and bring integrity to the project.

Being able to meet her and watch the first part of the recording was wonderful, however, I was overwhelmed with gratitude when I heard the full recording. It was one thing to write my story, but a unique experience to hear it.

I am grateful to Julia and especially to Tanya Lee and the Corrilee Foundation for the opportunity to share my story.”

- Kate Rowe .rowe.33

05/05/2026

In collaboration with UNSW and Addi Moves, Stepping Out is co-designing a physical activity program for women vivctim-survivors of child s*xual abuse.

We want to speak with psychosocial providers (counsellors, psychologists or social workers) who work with survivors to better understand considerations and priorities the program should address. Your perspectives will help us understand how physical activity is approached and discussed in practice.

Please email [email protected] if you’re interested in participating in a 30 minute online survey. Scan the QR code to find out more 🙏🏋️🌼