Rebecca Abbott 

FOUNDER

Rebecca Abbott, Director of Abbott Witness Services, is a social worker who specialises in preparing and supporting people as they navigate the legal system. She has worked with the Aged Care Royal Commission, Royal Commission into National Natural Disaster Arrangements and the Office of the National Commissioner for Defence and Veteran Suicide Prevention.

After graduating in 1993 from UniSA with a Bachelor of Social Work Degree she began working as a counsellor and support group facilitator with victims of crime and their families at Victim Support Service (SA).  

In 2000 Rebecca moved to the Witness Assistance Service at the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions where she later became Manager of the service.  Over many years she provided information and support on a daily basis to witnesses, victims of crime and their families who were involved in criminal prosecution matters.    During this time she recognised the importance of timely information about the system and the value of a personalised support service for people.     

Rebecca continued to further develop her interest in trauma, loss and grief and undertook post graduate study at Flinders University.  She was awarded a Graduate Certificate in Loss, Grief and Trauma Counselling (2003) and a Masters of Social Work (2011).

She has identified first hand the impact of repeated exposure to trauma and grief  and facilitates professional development sessions on topics including vicarious trauma and the importance of self care to ensure longevity and fulfilment in practice.

For the past fourteen years Rebecca has enjoyed teaching undergraduate and post graduate social work students at UniSA and Flinders University in a range of theory and practice courses.    During this time she worked in the funeral industry, Coroner's Court of SA and Southern Cross Care Health and Wellness Centre.

Rebecca is a current member of the Australian Association of Social Workers and the Australian Centre for Grief and Bereavement.