Feb 18 2025 75 mins
Content Warning:
This episode discusses domestic homicide, family violence, and trauma, which may be distressing for some listeners. Support services are listed below.
Ashton Kline is a survivor, advocate, and ambassador for the Alannah & Madeline Foundation. After losing his mother to domestic homicide as a teenager, Ashton's life was thrown into upheaval—navigating the foster care system, taking on the responsibility of caring for his younger brother, and facing the shortcomings of a child protection system that was not trauma-informed. Despite these immense challenges, Ashton has rebuilt his life with purpose, becoming a university lecturer and dedicating his work to preventing violence and supporting vulnerable children.
In this conversation, Ashton and Megan explore the complexities of growing up with domestic violence, the gaps in the systems meant to protect children, and the resilience it takes to break the cycle. Ashton shares his personal healing journey and how he takes care of his wellbeing while doing this important work. He speaks openly about the experience of moving between shelters as a child, the moment his life changed forever with the loss of his mother, and what it was like to be placed in the foster care system at such a critical time. Taking on the responsibility of caring for his younger brother added another layer to the challenges he faced, and he reflects on the ways the system failed to provide the support they both needed.
Now, Ashton is committed to changing the conversation around trauma and violence prevention. His work challenges the way society responds to children in crisis, advocating for approaches that centre safety, healing, and long-term support.
This conversation is raw, confronting, and deeply important. Ashton's story is one of survival, strength, and the urgent need for systemic change.
Help and Support:
If you or someone you know needs support, here are some resources available in Australia:
- 1800RESPECT – 24/7 national support for sexual assault, domestic, and family violence. Call 1800 737 732 or visit www.1800respect.org.au.
- Lifeline – Crisis support and suicide prevention. Call 13 11 14 or visit www.lifeline.org.au.
- MensLine Australia – Support for men experiencing or impacted by family violence. Call 1300 789 978 or visit www.mensline.org.au.
- Beyond Blue – Mental health support for anxiety, depression, and emotional distress. Call 1300 22 4636 or visit www.beyondblue.org.au.
- Kids Helpline – Free, confidential support for young people (ages 5-25). Call 1800 55 1800 or visit www.kidshelpline.com.au.
- No to Violence – Support for men who use or are at risk of using family violence. Call 1300 766 491 or visit www.ntv.org.au.
- Blue Knot Foundation – Support for adult survivors of childhood trauma. Call 1300 657 380 or visit www.blueknot.org.au.
Please take care while listening, and reach out for support if needed.
If you are outside of Australia, please reach out to your local services for support.
Host: Megan Corcoran, Wagtail Institute
Wagtail Institute empowers schools and complex settings to become trauma-informed wellbeing communities of practice where everyone can thrive. We work alongside leaders, educators, and practitioners to respond to wellbeing challenges, enhance trauma-informed practice, and navigate pathways to healing. If you would like to work with Megan, head to our website or send an email: [email protected]
Is your wellbeing impacted by caring for others? Are you exposed to the stress and trauma of those you work with? Whether you're a teacher, caregiver, or practitioner, the emotional weight of supporting others can leave you feeling drained and overwhelmed. Wagtail Institue has created a 39 page guide (in the form of eBook) on trauma-informed wellbeing for practitioners. You can find out more and grab your guide here.
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Music by Kabbilistic Village https://kabbalisticvillage.com/