Research Group Two
Lived experience and trauma informed practice
Genevieve Bloxsom
Genevieve Bloxsom is a PhD candidate and child protection practitioner dedicated to enhancing the understanding of coerced "self-produced" child sexual exploitation material. She is currently completing her PhD at the University of Melbourne in the Department of Social Work, supported by a Power to Kids studentship.
Genevieve is passionate about research methodologies that empower children to influence practice enhancements, and she believes the risk of child sexual abuse and exploitation can be reduced when children and adult victim/survivors are respected and listened to. She is also a Senior Advisor at Queensland Child Safety.
Abbie Lake
Abbie is is a PhD candidate and research assistant specialising in child sexual abuse, and safeguarding. Their doctoral research examines sibling sexual abuse and centres victims’ and survivors’ lived experiences to develop a nuanced understanding of disclosure. Alongside this, they contribute to research projects focused on improving wellbeing for researchers working in emotionally demanding fields.
They have experience lecturing in criminology and policing, and their previous work includes research with practitioners supporting young people affected by criminal exploitation, studies on education’s role in the school-to-prison pipeline, and evaluations of initiatives designed to strengthen relationships between at-risk youth and the police.
Dr Lea Kamitz
Lea Kamitz is a postdoctoral research fellow at the International Policing and Public Protection Research Institute (IPPPRI) at Anglia Ruskin University. With a background in forensic psychology, her research interests lie broadly within the area of sexual offending.
She employs mixed-methods approaches to explore factors underlying offending and recidivism, and has evaluated preventative and deterrent strategies, as well as the effectiveness of public awareness efforts. In addition to this, Lea also aims to amplify the voices of victim-survivors of sexual violence and non-offending family members of those who have sexually offended.
Faye O'Connor
Faye O’Connor is a Specialist Social Worker within the Child and Adolescent Harmful Behaviour Service (CAHBS). She brings extensive experience across diverse areas of social work, including Early Intervention Services, Child Protection, Court Teams, and the Youth Justice and Exploitation Service.
In her current role, Faye works within a specialist team addressing Harmful Sexualised Behaviour, providing Consultation to professionals, assessments, formulation, and intervention for children and young people where HSB is present. Her practice is informed by trauma-aware approaches and a commitment to safeguarding and therapeutic engagement.
Susan Whibley
Susan Whibley is a Specialist Nurse Practitioner within the Horizon Service, working to support young people impacted by sexual harm.
She has extensive experience working with children and young people who have experienced a range of mental health difficulties, including PTSD, anxiety, depression and psychosis. She has worked in roles in inpatient services, as well as community care and triage.
In her current role, Susan offers consultation to professionals, assessments to young people, parent coaching, and direct trauma work. As a nurse practitioner, she draws on a range of therapeutic approaches to provide an individualised and effective intervention for those she works with. Ensuring a therapeutic rapport and relationship is at the heart of her work.