IMPACT’s Shark Cage program supports domestic violence survivors  

Developed by psychologist Ursula Benstead, the Shark Cage program continues to support women healing from domestic violence and sexual abuse, with IMPACT Community Services’ Positive Start team recently facilitating the third round of the program for 10 local participants. 

Through guided discussions and creative activities, Shark Cage supports women who have experienced childhood or adulthood abuse to rebuild their self-worth and develop emotional strength in a safe, supportive environment. 

Facilitators Cat Pjevac and Kayla Wylie completed specialist training in the Shark Cage framework before commencing local facilitation of the program in July.  

Cat said the program teaches women about healthy relationships, helping them recognise early signs of an abuser and break negative cycles. 

“It's not only for their personal relationships with men,” Cat said. 

“It’s also about family members and friendships and learning to understand what boundaries they need to put in place to keep themselves and their children safe.” 

Over six weeks, participants created a mural filled with symbolic sea creatures and objects, using sharks to represent abusers, dolphins for friends, fish for themselves, treasure chests for self‑care, and seaweed for their rights and protections. They wrote on each symbol to express their feelings, identify ways to care for themselves, and define the rights that keep them safe. 

Harmony, who finished the program earlier this month, has been on a journey of self-discovery since going through domestic violence with her children. The Shark Cage program has recharged her batteries and inspired her as she reinvents herself and creates a brighter future for her family. 

Harmony stated, “I find it really empowering. All the issues bring you down, but being in an environment like this helps. 

“Being around people who have gone through the same type of things makes you feel like you’re not alone and you’re not crazy,” she said. 

Harmony’s no stranger to IMPACT, having been engaged on and off with the organisation since she was pregnant with her three year old. The team is currently helping Harmony regain her licence and boost her work-readiness, goals she hopes to fulfil before her youngest child starts school. 

Tallara, who finished the program alongside Harmony, also has nothing but rave reviews of IMPACT and Shark Cage. While she was nervous before the program started, she’s come out the other side stronger. 

Shark Cage has boosted her confidence, and she recommends the program to those in similar situations. 

“I reckon this program is good for people that have experienced abuse and have no one to talk to or nowhere to go,” she said. 

The entire group has come a long way, building friendships, healing from trauma and learning coping strategies that will support them into the future in all aspects of their life.  

Cat said participants enjoyed Shark Cage so much that they didn’t want it to end, prompting facilitators to connect participants with PCYC’s Rise Up, Be Yourself (RUBY) physical fitness program as a way to maintain connection and wellbeing. 

“They’re sort of sad that they finished the program because they’ve built some great friendships and they want to keep those going,” Cat said. 

“We try to encourage them to go to the RUBY program so they can reconnect and have something else to look forward to.” 

IMPACT Community Services facilitates Shark Cage locally twice a year, with the next round due to start on 14 July. To express your interest in joining, call 07 4153 4233 or complete the referral form on IMPACT’s website.  

It’s an opportunity for women to let their guard down in a setting where their voices are heard, their experiences are understood and their feelings are validated.