Hannah Dumas has a message for victims of sexual abuse and child sexual abuse. 

The 31-year-old read a stirring poem and speech at the Day of Action Against Sexual Assault morning tea at Taree TAFE on Thursday, August 25. 

“Sexual abuse is real and can come in many forms and can occur to all ages,” Hannah read. 

“Sometimes it can be hard to talk about it due to the stigma of shame and being labelled as a person who has been molested, raped or other things.  

“But that is not your label – do not accept the stigma of shame. Break it, by speaking out with whoever it is you feel comfortable, like a friend, family or counselor.

“You are a survivor - you are strong and you are of worth - never doubt it.” 

Head teacher in community services at Taree TAFE Tully Mcguire said, “it takes a lot of courage to speak in front of a room – especially with a difficult topic that holds emotional pain.”

“It’s quite remarkable, there are a lot of students that are able to capture really difficult topics to educate others,” Tully said. 

Hannah has fought her own battles with mental illness and challenging life situations. 

She said she has not been a victim of sexual abuse, but knows personally other’s who have. 

Hannah is studying a Certificate IV in Mental Health Peer Work. She uses her lived experience to inform her studies and also her other passion for writing poetry. 

“I love writing poetry. I’ve wrote about the importance of peer workers, my own life experiences as well as trying to go inside other people’s shoes,” Hannah told the Manning River Times.

“It’s been a big help in my life. I started at 16 as a way to vent and now it’s my passion. 

“I do believe it helps. It takes it out of your head. It might just start with one word, it doesn’t even need to make sense. Just start, and all of a sudden you grow a passion.

“I don’t share it often, but I could tell it touched people in different ways today.”

Hannah said when her class started talking about organising the national Day of Action Against Sexual Assault morning tea she went home and started to think how children would feel in that situation. 

Hannah’s poem (below) communicated the shame felt by victims of abuse as well as the pressure male victims place on themselves to be “strong” and not speak out. 

Following her poetry reading, Hannah’s speech communicated her main objective for writing the poem.

“If we can take anything away with us today I hope we take the courage to speak out against sexual abuse and lead the way for a generation with an open and real mentality about sexual abuse,” she told the room. 

Hannah told the Manning River Times her, “heart goes out to people in the community of Taree who are struggling with drugs, alcohol and sexual abuse”. 

Hannah hopes to become a counselor one day. 

“I want to be able to talk to people and help them believe there is a better future ahead.” 

The Day of Action Against Sexual Assault morning tea was organised by Certificate IV mental health peer work students and Certificate IV mental health students. Food was catered by the Certificate II hospitality students. 

To mark the significance of the National Day of Action Against Sexual Assault a magnolia tree was planted at the Taree TAFE campus. 

I’m covered in shame should I speak out

What if they don’t believe me and what i say they doubt,

They will think it was me my own fault 

I could of stopped it I’m grown an adult,

Sexual abuse can happen to anyone it doesn't discriminate speak out without shame or fear its never too late.

They will say I’m lying making up stories just a rebellious child,

If they stopped to really listen they would see I’ve been defiled

My innocence taken without my consent 

No one to talk to, to whom can I vent,

They said his a man he will be ok

Little did they know the trauma he felt that day,

They may be men but they can be hurt too 

Who can they talk to what can they do 

They are supposed to be strong who can they speak without the feeling of shame or being weak, 

What avenue can they follow what service can they seek, 

Sexual abuse can happen to anyone it doesn't discriminate speak out without shame it’s never too late, 

Sexual abuse yes this happens to men too but the ones who speak out are only few.

Please hear our voices sexual abuse is real 

Before you doubt a persons story stop to think how they might feel,

We are a people lets stand together take action and see 

A world without sexual abuse ...let’s be free!

Triple Zero 

000

Child Abuse & Neglect

132 111

Sexual Assault Counselling 8-11pm

1800 21 10 28

Domestic & Family Violence App - AURORA

1800RESPECT (1800 737 732)

The National Sexual Assault, Family & Domestic Violence Counselling Line for any Australian who has experienced, or is at risk of, family and domestic violence and/or sexual assault.

Lifeline 

13 11 14

A national number which can help put you in contact with a crisis service in your state. 24 hours, 7 days a week.

NSW Domestic Violence Line 

1800 656 463 / TTY 1800 671 442

Provides telephone counselling, information and referrals for women and same-sex partners who are experiencing or have experienced domestic violence. 24 hours, 7 days a week.

NSW Rape Crisis 

1800 424 017

Provides telephone and online counselling for anyone who is or has experienced sexual violence and their supporters, 24 hours, 7 days a week. 

Mensline Australia 

1300 78 99 78

Supports men who are dealing with family and relationship difficulties. 24 hours, 7 days a week.

Relationships Australia

1300 36 42 77

Support groups and counselling on relationships, and for abusive and abused partners. 

Kids Helpline

1800 55 1800

Telephone, email and web counselling for children and young people. 24 hours, 7 days a week. 

Australian Childhood Foundation

1800 176 453

Counselling for children and young people affected by abuse. 24 hours, 7 days a week.