About us
Our trustees
These are the dedicated trustees behind Handing the Shame Back, each committed to guiding our mission of supporting and uplifting survivors of child sexual abuse. Together, their expertise and passion drive our efforts to raise awareness, foster healing, and create lasting change for survivors everywhere.
Gloria Masters
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I am a Survivor, Author and Advocate of all things CSA and speak from 16 years of lived experience.
I have managed to turn the final corner of healing into giving back, through highlighting the issue of child sexual abuse to help other survivors.
I am an author of 3 books, which are listed under our Resources section.
I believe there is a way through, and I want to help others by sharing what worked for me.
Darren Jacobs
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Unfortunately, Childhood Sexual Abuse is at the root of many of the issues facing New Zealand including alcohol and drug addiction and domestic violence. Research shows that CSA survivors feel overwhelming shame, and this holds them back from being the best version of themselves. As a society, we must encourage survivors to speak out and to seek help. There is not enough support for CSA survivors that engages them in a way that encourages them to 'hand the shame back', until now.
My background in senior management roles through to Chief Executive Officer level in some of New Zealand's best-known retailers coaching and leading large teams. My aim is to grow the Handing the Shame Back Foundation so that every adult survivor and the issue of CSA can come out of the shadows.
Sonia Chandra
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I am passionate in bringing awareness and visibility of Child Sexual Abuse (CSA) cases in New Zealand. This is a silent endemic in NZ and globally that has lasting impacts on our survivors.
I have diverse volunteer experience with many different types of organisations which has formed the person I am today. My role as an Auckland based Risk Management Specialist has helped me build strong stakeholder management skills.
I am optimistic and believe that we can truly help shift the shame back from the survivors of CSA.
Christine Paul
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Sexual abuse has a profound impact on not only the person subjected to it, but also the people they trust enough to confide in. I believe the current culture of shame and reluctance to discuss child sexual abuse is causing a lot of harm, as it creates an unnecessary barrier to the healing required. I am honoured to be part of an organisation that aims to raise awareness and normalise these conversations in a dedicated and safe space.
I have always had a passion for understanding people and why we do what we do. My background spans volunteer work with organisations like Youthline, working with children with learning disabilities to my current profession in risk and compliance.
