My story

My journey into supporting survivors through perinatal care is deeply rooted in my own experience. As a survivor of childhood sexual assault and complex PTSD, I entered pregnancy hoping that this wouldn’t follow me into motherhood. However, I quickly learned that the echoes of my trauma were not so easily swept aside.

During my pregnancy and postpartum period, I faced unique challenges as a survivor of sexual assault. Struggling to find resources for survivors like me, I felt unsupported and silenced in my experience.

Determined to create the support I wished I had, I became a birth doula, specialising in trauma-sensitive care for survivors of sexual assault or complex trauma. My hope was to be the person I needed—someone who understands the unique challenges of parenthood for survivors and offers compassionate support grounded in resilience.

As I supported with survivors, I recognised the profound impact that trauma-sensitive care can have. However, this crucial knowledge is often missing in the broader healthcare system. This led me to start teaching midwives, doulas, and other practitioners how to better support survivors, creating safer, more supportive environments for all survivors.

Contributing to a world where survivors of sexual assault or complex trauma are understood and supported through our unique experience of pregnancy, birth, and parenthood - fostering resilience through trauma sensitive care.

MEET DUSK

Your companion in trauma-sensitive care

Hello, I'm Dusk (she/her), a neurodivergent, queer mother living on Bunurong Land in Melbourne’s west. As a survivor of childhood sexual assault and complex PTSD, I have insight into the unique challenges survivors may face during pregnancy, birth, and matrescence.

My approach is informed by both lived experience and professional expertise, allowing me to support survivors with empathy, and guide healthcare practitioners in delivering trauma-aware care. I am committed to walking alongside you with gentleness whether you seek support as a survivor or want to strengthen your practice as a caregiver.

Together, we can create a path that honours the resilience of survivors.

    • Masters of Spirituality with the University of Divinity, (2016 - present)

    • Postpartum Education and Care Professional with Newborn Mothers, 2023

    • Matrescence Coach with Mama Rising, 2022

    • Spiritual Companion with WellSpring Centre, 2021

    • Certified Birth Doula with Childbirth International, 2021

    • Bachelor of Arts (Anthropology) at La Trobe Uni, 2009

    • Tender Love - Trauma-Informed Birthworker Training with Lumos Tranforms (In progress)

    • Cultivate -trauma informed space holding training (In progress)

    • Foundations for Building Trauma Awareness with Blue Knot (2022)

    • Trauma Responsive Leadership with Blue Knot (2022)

    • When Survivors Give Birth: Understanding and Healing the Effects of Trauma and Sexual Abuse on the Childbearing Woman with Penny Simkin, Inc. (2021 & 2022)

    • Consumer Representative at Western Health

    • Educator at Newborn Mothers

    • Birth doula, postpartum education and care professional, matrescence coach

    • Spiritual companion and circle facilitator

Podcasts & Writing

  • Episode 100 - Trauma-sensitive care for survivors of abuse

    NEWBORN MOTHERS PODCAST

    Julia Jones chats with Dusk Liney, a trauma-sensitive birth and postpartum professional, on the importance of trauma-sensitive care and how to support survivors to create safer postpartum experiences.

    Listen

  • Episode 15 - Honouring your resilience with Dusk Liney

    THE WHOLE DOULA PODCAST

    Dusk’s focus is on supporting survivors of sexual assault or trauma and as a survivor herself, she is driven to support others navigating the unique challenges of pregnancy like she did.

    Listen

  • Story contribution in the 'Mothering without mothers' section

    THE MOTHERHOOD SPACE

    The Motherhood Space will carry you through the beautiful chaos of modern motherhood, offering advice, imparting wisdom, and sharing intimate stories to help you feel seen during the intense highs and lows in this season of your life.

    Read

I work on Bunurong land (Melbourne, Australia),
online and am open to travel.

I want to hear your story

Thank you for learning more about my story. committed to providing the compassionate, trauma-sensitive care and training you deserve. Interested in walking together?