Just a heads-up: we do talk about child sexual abuse in this chat, so please skip this one if it feels like too much right now.

In this episode, we chat with the lovely Victoria Barendsen, a psychologist who specialises in sexual abuse prevention, about how we can keep our kids safe without them missing out on all the fun stuff—like sleepovers and playdates. Vic shares simple, age-appropriate ways to talk to our kids about body safety, boundaries, and consent. She also gives us some great tips on what to look out for in different settings, and how to empower our children with knowledge—without scaring them. It’s a really important convo we think all parents and carers should hear.

As always, we hope you enjoy! 💛

Resource links:

Follow Victoria on IG: @thesafekidsproject

Link to Free Playdates and Sleepovers Checklist (referred to in the podcast)

Link to website: thesafekidsproject.com

Links for support AUS:

1800RESPECT

Phone: 1800 737 732 (24/7)

Website: www.1800respect.org.au

Services: 24/7 confidential counselling, information, and referrals for people impacted by sexual assault, domestic or family violence.

Bravehearts

Phone: 1800 272 831

Website: www.bravehearts.org.au

Services: Support and advocacy for child sexual abuse prevention and survivor support.

Kids Helpline

Phone: 1800 55 1800 (24/7)

Website: www.kidshelpline.com.au

Services: Free, private and confidential phone and online counselling for young people aged 5 to 25.

Links for support NZ:

Safe to Talk – Sexual Harm Helpline

Phone: 0800 044 334 (24/7) or Text: 4334

Online chat: www.safetotalk.nz

Email: support@safetotalk.nz

Services: Free, confidential support for anyone affected by sexual harm — survivors, friends, whānau, and professionals. Available 24/7.

HELP Auckland

Website: www.helpauckland.org.nz

Phone (24/7): 0800 623 1700

Services: Crisis support and long-term therapy for survivors of sexual abuse and assault in the Auckland region.

ACC Sensitive Claims

Website: www.acc.co.nz/im-injured/what-we-cover/sensitive-claims/

Services: Covers therapy and support for people who have experienced sexual abuse or assault in New Zealand — past or recent.

Beyond the Bump is a podcast brought to you by Jayde Couldwell and Sophie Pearce! A podcast targeted at mums, just like you! A place to have real conversations with honest and authentic people.

Follow us on Instagram at @beyondthebump.podcast to stay up to date with behind the scenes and future episodes.

Join our Facebook chat Beyond the Bump Community Chats!

Sign up to our newsletter HERE

Email us HERE

This episode is proudly sponsored by iL Tutto!

Use the code BEYOND20 for 20% off full-price items at iltutto.com.au.

The code is valid until August 31, and excludes already discounted items, furniture packs, and gift cards. T & Cs apply.

This was a last-minute recording for Friday’s Bumpie Group Chat with @kristimcvee, but one we knew we needed to have 💛

Kristi is a child abuse educator and former detective, and after the awful news this week, we wanted to bring you a conversation that could help answer some of your questions and offer support instead of fear. We cover how on earth this happened, signs to look out for, questions to ask your child care centers, why it is not your fault and changes that should be made going forward. It’s heavy, but it’s important, and Kristi shares it all with calm, clarity and care.

If you are concerned that your family may be directly impacted by this new, a dedicated phone line has been created for families in order to access advice, support and services - 1800 791 241 (staffed 8AM - 9PM Mon-Fri and 9AM - 5PM Sat - Sun)

More general information about this awful news can be found at vic.gov.au/childcare-centre-investigation

Resource links:

Follow Kristi on IG: @kristimcvee

1800 Respect National Helpline: 1800 737 732

Lifeline (24-hour crisis line): 131 114

Full Stop Australia: 1800 385 578

Bravehearts: counselling and support abuse: 1800 272 831

Child Wise: counselling provider: 1800 991 099

Beyond the Bump is a podcast brought to you by Jayde Couldwell and Sophie Pearce! A podcast targeted at mums, just like you! A place to have real conversations with honest and authentic people.

Follow us on Instagram at @beyondthebump.podcast to stay up to date with behind the scenes and future episodes.

Join our Facebook chat Beyond the Bump Community Chats!

Sign up to our newsletter HERE

Email us HERE

In this episode, we chat with Leila, from Village For Mama, about the age-old saying, “it takes a village to raise a child” — but where is the village today? We dive into how we can rebuild this essential support system, not because it’s trending, but because it’s truly needed. We explore ways to create connection, find support, and foster a strong parenting community in our fast-paced world. Plus, we share what you, our lovely Bumpies, are doing to bring that village vibe back.

As always, we hope you enjoy! 💛

Resource links:

Village for Mama Book

Village for Postpartum Australian Postpartum Directory

Beyond the Bump is a podcast brought to you by Jayde Couldwell and Sophie Pearce! A podcast targeted at mums, just like you! A place to have real conversations with honest and authentic people.

Follow us on Instagram at @beyondthebump.podcast to stay up to date with behind the scenes and future episodes.

Join our Facebook chat Beyond the Bump Community Chats!

Sign up to our newsletter HERE

Email us HERE

This episode is proudly sponsored by Goodstart Early Learning!

If you've been searching for the little part of your village, Goodstart Early Learning might just be it Bumpies. Search Goodstart online to find your local centre and book a tour.