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 Speaker of all things child sexual abuse, 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 not only help other survivors, but to help prevent this happening to children.
My background involves being a qualified teacher, which I did for a number of years, as well training as a child and adolescent therapist which saw me running my own clinic for several years. Both of these have developed within me, a deep understanding of the way children manage trauma.
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.
Scott Beard
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I have worked for NZ Police since 1980 and have worked in the Child Sexual Abuse world since 1989. At present I am in charge of the Adult Sexual Assault Team; the Child Protection Team; the Child Exploitation Team, the Child Sex Offender Management Team, as well as a Major Crime Team and Financial Crime Unit.
I am on the Governance Board of Puawaitahi, a multi agency child abuse centre, across the road from Starship Hospital. I am fully aware of the impact Child Sexual Abuse has on the victims, their family and ultimately society.
I am the Ambassador for the Global Hand Sign for U16s. I joined the Board of Handing The Shame Back because I believe preventing CSA is key. Children are our next generation. We have to look after them.
Melody Mobsby
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With a focus on creating positive, lasting impact, I work with organisations across the for-purpose sector to support meaningful social change. I bring extensive executive and governance experience in the not-for-profit space, alongside senior leadership experience in the private sector with a diverse background in education, marketing, social sciences and finance.
I am the Chief Executive of Auckland Foundation and believe in the power of philanthropy to create meaningful change for both communities and those who give. As a trustee of Handing the Shame Back, I am committed to supporting work that helps prevent child sexual abuse, amplifies survivor voices, and shifts shame toward understanding and healing.
