It comes in the wake of the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse hearings and as further revelations of historic abuse of women in children’s homes continue to emerge. CASA manager Shireen Gunn said the aim of the group was to link women to support.

“We are looking not only at the impacts of the past sexual abuse but also trying to break down isolation,” she said.  CASA reported a 30 per cent increase in victims coming forward after the latest sex abuse hearings. Ms Gunn said the group would run for about eight weeks after which a review of the program would be undertaken. She said at the heart of it was removing the stigma and shame associated with sexual abuse.

“The group connects women who have been through similar experiences,” Ms Gunn said. “Women tend to blame themselves for reacting to situations in a negative way. We try to show them that their behaviour is often a direct result of the sexual assault. It’s about normalising their responses and taking away their guilt or shame.”

CASA is also undertaking extensive work with survivors of intrafamilial sexual violence following a $163,000 state government funding boost in the wake of recommendations of the Royal Commission into Family Violence. Ex-resident of Nazareth House Girls' Home Gabrielle Short said the childhood abuse had destroyed lives.

“​Some have suicided over the years, others are living as recluses,” she said. “The pain they carry is a direct result of the abuse they endured from sexual, mental to physical beatings. They don't feel like they are part of this world. They feel like they’ve got nobody and nothing left to live for.”

She hoped the group would saved lives. 

“Speaking to other women about the abuse is often the first time survivors will spill their guts because they feel like they aren’t being judged,” she said.  For support call CASA on 5320 3933 or free call 24 hours 1800 806 292. Lifeline: 13 11 14