Survivors are not just victims of harm; they can be architects of change

Across Australia and around the world, survivors of exploitation, sextortion, and trafficking are reshaping conversations around justice, consent, and prevention.

At Pink Cross, they believe that lived experience is leadership. When survivors share their stories safely and ethically, they open doors to understanding, empathy, and reform. Their voices influence policy, drive awareness, and ensure that systems no longer silence those most affected.

But empowerment doesn’t happen overnight. Many survivors face stigma, re-traumatisation, or fear of disbelief. That’s why trauma-informed advocacy is so essential — ensuring that survivor participation is always voluntary, supported, and respectful.

You can help by:
🌸 Listening before responding. Validate rather than question someone’s experience.
🌸 Believing survivors. Trust that their truth matters.
🌸 Supporting ethical storytelling. Avoid sensationalism or sharing identifying details.
🌸 Amplifying survivor-led projects. Share and donate to organisations run by survivors or that centre their leadership.

When survivors lead, communities heal. Their resilience is not just personal; it’s political. It’s a movement that reminds us all that: recovery is possible, justice is achievable, and change begins with empathy.

If you are a survivor and wish to share your story or connect with safe, supportive spaces, Pink Cross can help. They offer confidential counselling, advocacy, and guidance for survivor storytelling.

Together, let’s replace silence with solidarity. 🌸

Q Magazine: supporting our community since 2004.

brett

Born in Cairns (Far North Queensland – Australia) I am the youngest and the only boy of a family of five. My first serious job was as a Salesperson, the announcer, then Production Manager for 4AM. I spent in excess of ten years running my own successful entertainment agency before moving to Melbourne (Victoria – Australia) where I currently live, work and play. A week after arriving I joined the sales team at JOY 94.9fm – what was to be Australia’s first and only dedicated gay and lesbian radio station. I was clearly destined to be self-employed as fate would have it. Q Magazine was born in March 2004 and as they so rightly say ‘the rest is history’.

See Full Bio