Helping Mason find his voice

Clad in pyjamas, his eyes were fixed on the television with the volume set to an extreme. Mason sought refuge in distractions to cope with the overwhelming distress he had endured from witnessing domestic violence since infancy.

Labelled as ‘non-verbal’ and absent from his school, Mason was missing the key elements for a nurturing, safe and cheerful childhood — laughter, play, routine, and the bond with his primary caregiver. Essentials for every child’s growth and development into a happy, thriving individual.

His experiences of domestic violence had silenced Mason, leaving him feeling isolated and struggling to articulate his pain. The repercussions of domestic violence linger as emotional and psychological scars. For children, these effects ripple into challenges in relationships, learning, and self-esteem, persisting well into adulthood.

At CCV, we stand alongside children like Mason, offering solace and support as they navigate the aftermath of experiencing trauma inflicted at a young age. Recognising a voice yearning to be heard behind Mason’s silence, our dedicated Senior Family Services Practitioner, Sally* embarked on a journey to help Mason find his voice.

At the same time, she connected Mason’s mum with one of our Family Counsellors, to help her through her own journey. Visiting Mason daily, Sally knelt to his level, giving him eye contact and speaking to him with calm reassurance.

Initially met with grunts and shrugs, or Mason retreating behind his blanket, these consistent visits fostered trust and understanding between Sally and Mason.

After months of steadfast support, Mason courageously returned to school. Knowing that Mason deeply desired to go to the beach, Sally took him there one afternoon with Mum’s consent. Sally reflects, “to see the joy on his face was a moment I will never forget.”

The nurturing environment Sally had created bolstered Mason’s confidence, and provided a safe haven for him to express himself.

This monumental step marked triumph for Mason, bringing him closer to reclaiming a childhood filled with opportunities for learning and play.

With the right support and intervention, we aim to empower children like Mason to transcend their trauma and rewrite their narratives.

Previously known as Integrated Family Services (IFS), our Family Services team provides in-home support and parenting skill development to assist families experiencing multiple difficulties. If you or someone you know is in need of a hand, please contact us.

*At CatholicCare Victoria, we respect everyone who comes to us for help. Many are working towards a fresh start in life, so while the stories and quotes are true, pseudonyms and stock images have been used to protect their privacy, unless stated otherwise.