Jaimee Morgenbesser is the Co-founder and Managing Director of the Independent Collective of Survivors (ICOS), a survivor-led independent organisation dedicated to ending domestic, family, sexual, and gendered violence. Through ethically and effectively harnessing the power of lived expertise, ICOS drives systemic change, advocates for policy reform, and transforms societal attitudes. ICOS successfully lobbied for the inclusion of survivor voices in the National Plan to End Violence Against Women and Children 2022-2032. This achievement has catalysed the Domestic Family Sexual Violence Commission’s current efforts to establish a Lived Experience Advisory Council.
A passionate victim-survivor advocate, Jaimee champions the rights of survivors of childhood sexual abuse and domestic family violence, emphasising the need to recognise children as victim-survivors in their own right. Drawing from her own lived experiences as a survivor of domestic family violence, child sexual abuse, Jaimee employs a holistic approach to healing and resilience that incorporates mental health support, peer engagement, and practical resources. Jaimee’s influence extends to policy-making as a member of the Mental Health and Family, Domestic and Sexual Violence Expert Reference Group with the Commonwealth Department of Health, ensuring that lived experiences are central to decision-making processes.
Additionally, Jaimee is a Specialist in disaster recovery, community resilience, and mental health and psychosocial support. With over a decade of experience leading disaster resilience initiatives across Australia, she has been honoured with the National Emergency Medal and the Australian Red Cross Long Service Award.
Dedicated to early intervention and prevention, Jaimee tirelessly educates others on the impact of trauma on children’s development. She is committed to fostering the wellbeing of children, ensuring they have the skills, knowledge, and support needed to grow into resilient adults. Whether engaging with survivors, communities, governments, or industry, Jaimee leverages her professional and lived expertise to build stronger, more resilient, and compassionate communities, one person at a time. She holds Masters Degrees in Business Administration and Disaster Resilience and Sustainable Development, further solidifying her commitment to creating lasting change.