Ethical Foundation
At Wollongong West Street Centre we are ethically committed to intersectional feminism, holistic service delivery, equity of access to services, social justice and cultural diversity.
Feminist Traditions of
Wollongong West Street Centre
Child sexual abuse (CSA) is understood within intersectional feminist constructs of patriarchal institutions and structures of power. We also acknowledge that some communities are particularly vulnerable to abuses of power such as LGBTQIA+ people and those with disabilities.
CSA is a criminal act that has legal implications for both perpetrator and victim of the abuse. It is also a violation of human rights against the individual, community (particularly vulnerable communities eg. people with disabilities, Indigenous, refugees, older people) and society as a whole.
CSA is gendered statistical evidence tells us men are more likely to be the perpetrators of violence against women and children and LGBTQIA+ people of all genders (97% of all reported sexual assaults in Australia are perpetrated by males). We acknowledge that men are also subjected to violence and abuse and that there are communities of men who experience greater vulnerability in this regard.
However statistical evidence also tells us that men are more likely to be abused and assaulted by other men.
We also acknowledge that the small proportion of women who sexually abuse children are abusing power in the same way as men and harms to children (regardless of their gender) are similar.
We acknowledge that CSA and Intimate Partner Violence (coercive control) may be nuanced and enacted in the context of an apparently loving relationship. This does not make it any less harmful, nor any less criminal. The common denominator is the facilitation of a climate of fear in which to manipulate, intimidate and coerce.
CSA is experienced in the context of a relationship and rarely a one-off incident. In order to access children for abuse, perpetrators engage in ‘grooming’ of both child and their carers.
We are aware of the power we hold as professional practitioners and take seriously our responsibilities to create a culture of safety for both clients, volunteers and staff.