The name Lotus Asocsa was inspired by the lotus flower, a powerful symbol of resilience, courage, empowerment, and inner strength. Just like the lotus rises from the mud to bloom in beauty and purity, so too do survivors rise from their pain, finding light, healing, and hope.
Lotus Asocsa was born from one woman’s personal journey—an adult survivor of childhood sexual abuse in the Maitland area, who, in searching for support, found there was nowhere to turn. What she needed didn’t exist, so she made it her mission to create it—for herself, and for others walking the same path. After three years of courage, persistence, and heart, Lotus Asocsa came to life with the support of Jennings Print, Maitland City Council and the generosity of artist Jim Warren, whose stunning artwork now represents the spirit of our charity.
Today, we stand as a growing community built on compassion, understanding, and strength—a safe space where female adult survivors of child sexual abuse are seen, heard, and supported. Together, we are breaking silence and building hope.
Healing Through Determination and Support
At Lotus Asocsa, we are deeply committed to walking alongside women who are living with the long-term impacts of childhood sexual abuse. We affirm — with compassion and conviction — that survivors are not to blame, and that healing is not only possible, but absolutely within reach.
Our Mission
Our mission is to build and nurture a strong, inclusive support network — beginning in Maitland and the Hunter region, and extending from Newcastle to Armidale and beyond. We are dedicated to giving voice and agency to female survivors of child sexual abuse, creating a nationwide movement of connection, empowerment, and advocacy.
Our Commitment to Privacy and Support
At LA Support, we deeply respect your right to privacy. We are committed to safeguarding your personal information with the highest level of care, confidentiality, and integrity.
As a fully independent, not-for-profit organisation, we are not affiliated with any religious or political group. Our only commitment is to the wellbeing and empowerment of female survivors of childhood sexual abuse.
Our support groups are professionally facilitated by experienced person who bring compassion, practical tools, and trauma-informed resources to every session. These groups provide a safe, peer-supported environment where women can connect with others who truly understand — fostering healing, resilience, and often, life-changing growth.
Maitland belongs to the Wonnarua people also known as Bo-un, “people of the mountains and plains”.
We acknowledge the Wonnarua people, traditional custodians of this land, and we pay respects to their elders past and present
About Our Logo and the Meaning of the Lotus
At Lotus Asocsa, the lotus flower represents the heart of our mission — resilience, transformation, and hope.
Child sexual abuse tragically interrupts the natural rites of passage essential to a child’s development. It steals their sense of safety, freedom, and the simple right to be a child. Our logo — featuring artwork generously donated by renowned artist Jim Warren — reflects this truth. His powerful imagery, which forms the backdrop of our logo, is a visual reminder that every adult survivor was once a child with dreams, deserving of love, protection, and the opportunity to grow free from harm.
Just as the lotus flower rises from the mud to bloom with grace and strength, so too can survivors rise — healing from trauma, reclaiming their identity, and moving toward a future filled with possibility and purpose.
Supporting survivors and their families requires compassion, courage, and a deep commitment to empowerment. The lotus reminds us that, side by side, we can help restore a sense of safety, self-belief, and dignity — and walk with survivors as they rediscover their worth and their voice.
A Message from Our Founder
As the President and Founder of Lotus Asocsa, I hold a deep belief in the strength, resilience, and potential of female survivors of childhood sexual abuse. I believe that with the right support, women can not only heal — they can thrive, support others on their journeys, and become powerful leaders for change.
My own experience has shown me that healing is not something we can do in isolation. It begins when we feel safe enough to release the shame and let go of the anger. That’s when the light begins to shine through, and the journey toward recovery truly begins.
There’s a common saying — “the past is the past, don’t look back” — but that has never resonated with me. I believe that in order to understand how far we’ve come, we must be willing to look back. Not to stay there, but to honour our courage, acknowledge our growth, and reclaim our stories on our own terms.
— Jillian M Rae JP
President Lotus Asocsa
"My story does not carry shame — it carries the weight of my strength. I lived through what many would never imagine, and still, I rise. Now, I use my voice to shine light into the dark, offering hope and healing to others finding their way.
I am not broken — I am growing into all that I was meant to become."
