As Australia marks Sexual Assault Awareness Month, advocates are urging victim-survivors to come forward and seek support, warning that abuse continues to be vastly underreported despite rising national statistics.
New figures from the Australian Bureau of Statistics show more than 40,000 sexual assault victim-survivors were recorded by police in 2024 — the highest number in more than three decades of recordkeeping. However, experts say the true number is likely far higher, with many survivors never disclosing their abuse at all.
For Buderim author Jo Wilcox, silence lasted 60 years.
At the age of 71, Jo is sharing her story for the first time through her memoir, When the Mind Divides, a deeply personal account of childhood abuse, trauma, mental health struggles and recovery.
Jo says she hopes her decision to speak out will encourage others who have remained silent for years, or even decades, to know they are not alone and that support is available.
“I stayed quiet for most of my life because I was taught to fear speaking up,” she said.
“There is so much shame attached to abuse, but that shame never belonged to me.”
Growing up in the 1950s, Jo was abused by someone entrusted with her care during an era when abuse was rarely discussed and family secrecy was fiercely protected. The trauma continued to shape every stage of her life, affecting her relationships, health, identity and emotional wellbeing.
After decades of carrying unresolved trauma alone, Jo eventually sought professional help at the age of 60 and was diagnosed with Complex Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder and Dissociative Identity Disorder.
“I didn’t fully understand the impact the abuse had on my life until much later,” she said.
“For years, I thought I was simply broken. What I’ve learned is that trauma doesn’t disappear just because it’s buried.”
Research from the ABS shows 2.2 million Australian women and more than 700,000 men have experienced sexual violence since the age of 15. Experts say many victim-survivors never disclose due to fear, shame, self-blame, family pressure or concern they will not be believed.
Jo said one of the most important parts of her healing journey was finally being believed.
“Breaking the silence was terrifying, but it was also the beginning of recovery,” she said. “I want other survivors to know it is never too late to reach out for help. Healing is possible, even if you’ve spent a lifetime hiding your pain.”
Her memoir also highlights the role specialised counselling, trauma therapies including EMDR, and supportive relationships played in her recovery.
Now, by sharing her story publicly, Jo hopes to help dismantle the secrecy that allows abuse to remain hidden.
“This book is for people who are hurting quietly,” she said. “If my story helps even one person feel less alone, then speaking out will have been worth it.”
Jo’s message is clear: silence protects perpetrators, but speaking up can be the first step toward healing.
When the Mind Divides is available at jowilcox-author.com.au
If you or someone you love is experiencing abuse, support is available at Lifeline: 13 11 14 and DVConnect: 1800 811 811