TALK Hong Kong is a volunteer peer led group of women / femme survivors of sexual abuse and assault founded in July 2019. We provide support group meetings and undertake advocacy work on related issues.
We are not affiliated with any religious or government organization. Currently we are self-funded with a very low running cost. In future we may consider academic funding to aid in our advocacy work.
Why the group is called TALK
In my own process the act of talking about my experiences helps me move through them and understand my own mind better. It has also helped some of my friends and family open conversations about abuse themselves. It motivates me to think that the more we talk about abuse constructively, the more chances we have of stopping the repeating patterns of abuse and heal the after effects. – Taura
TALK looks to open the topic in society so that we can also move forward from silence to action.
Ours is not the task of fixing the entire world all at once, but of stretching out to mend the part of the world that is within our reach … It is not given to us to know which acts or by whom, will cause the critical mass to tip toward an enduring good … One of the most calming and powerful actions you can do to intervene in a stormy world is to stand up and show your soul.
CLARISSA PINKOLA ESTES
TEAM
Taura Edgar
I’m a survivor of childhood sexual abuse. And like you, I was looking for a community of people to talk to. But when my therapist asked me to research English groups I could join, I couldn’t find any! When I told her, she knowingly suggested perhaps I should think about organizing something. She had great timing!
In 2019 I founded TALK and began holding group meetings for survivors of childhood sexual abuse. In 2020 we expanded to also welcome women who have been assaulted as adults and to take on advocacy work such as legal reform a research.
Jill Marshall
Jill is a survivor of sexual assault as a young adult. Through support and counselling, Jill is well on the road to recovery and an advocate for the healing powers of sharing her story with others – for both herself and other survivors. She runs a hub for wellness called Pause Studio where she is a highly respected and dynamic Movement Specialist with over 16 years’ experience as a Pilates, Yoga and Nia instructor.
She joins us to lead the groups for those who experienced sexual assault as adults and brings with her empathy and great experience in leading groups!
Advisory Network
Our advisors bring their experience and resources to the issues of childhood sexual abuse and sexual assault. They provide advice to TALK on a range of topics including advocacy, research, mental health, ethics and legal matters.
Beth Junell
I am a strong diversity & inclusion voice in Asia which includes my deep commitment to advocating against sexual violence against girls and women. At FTI Consulting, I serve on the D&I Asia Steering Committee and lead the firm’s Women’s Initiative Network in Asia. I am also a member of The Women’s White Collar Defense Association, an organization that promotes common interests of women in my profession, and am on the Hong Kong chapter’s steering committee.
Darcy Lynn Davison-Roberts
I am a faculty of law lecturer and practicing lawyer skilled in Child Protection Law, Equality and Human Rights, and Public Interest Litigation. From working with young adults as a university lecturer, to my advocacy work on behalf of children, to the many legal clients I have assisted, I have witnessed first-hand the gaps and see the need for common-sense legislative change with regard to sexual offenses in Hong Kong.
Dr Sara Houshmand
I am a clinical and counselling psychologist with experience in trauma-oriented, feminist and multicultural psychotherapies. My research focuses on equity and diversity issues within psychology and can be found in journals such as the Journal of Counselling Psychology and Cultural Diversity and Ethnic Minority Psychology. As part of my efforts to advocate for marginalized perspectives, I consult with TALK on mental health concerns related to sexual assault.