In this episode of Conversations with Kristi, Kristi is joined by Neil Milton - founder of The Table Talk Project, advocate, and survivor - for a powerful and deeply human conversation about connection, prevention, and the role safe relationships play in protecting children and strengthening families.

Neil shares his lived experience of growing up without a voice at home, the long-term impact of childhood sexual abuse, and how unaddressed trauma shaped his relationships, sense of safety, and ability to ask for help. He reflects on how becoming a parent - and later recognising his own experiences as abuse - became a catalyst for creating spaces where children are heard, believed, and supported.

Together, Kristi and Neil explore how everyday disconnection within families can increase vulnerability to harm, why children often communicate distress through behaviour rather than words, and how something as simple - and intentional - as sharing a meal can create profound protective factors.

This episode unpacks how grooming can occur in plain sight, the dangers of “busy” culture, and why having a designated space for conversation matters. It also explores the ripple effects of connection - from improved mental health and resilience, to early disclosure of harm and strengthened family bonds.

This is not about perfection.
It’s about presence, prevention, and creating environments where nothing is off the table.

This episode includes discussion of:

childhood sexual abuse

grooming behaviours

trauma and mental health challenges

suicide and suicidal ideation

family violence and relational harm

Some listeners may find this content confronting. Please listen with care and pause or step away if needed. Support resources are listed below.

How disconnection within families increases vulnerability to harm

Why children often communicate distress through behaviour

The lifelong impact of growing up without a safe voice

How grooming can occur in everyday environments

The protective power of connection and consistent presence

Why “busy” culture can unintentionally silence children

The role of shared meals in building trust and safety

Supporting disclosure through calm, trauma-informed responses

How prevention starts with small, consistent moments of connection

Why safe relationships are a cornerstone of child protection

Child sexual abuse and emotional harm thrive in silence, secrecy, and disconnection.

Many parents and carers deeply care about protecting children but feel overwhelmed, unsure, or stretched thin. This episode reminds us that prevention does not require perfection, expertise, or constant vigilance - it requires presence, listening, and relationship.

By creating regular opportunities for connection and normalising conversation, adults can interrupt grooming, support disclosure, and ensure children know they are not alone.

Prevention is possible - and it begins with being heard.

The Table Talk Project is a family-centred initiative designed to help households create intentional spaces for connection through shared meals and guided conversations. By encouraging families to come together regularly and engage in meaningful dialogue, the project supports emotional wellbeing, strengthens relationships, and creates protective environments where children feel safe to speak.

🔗 Learn more about The Table Talk Project:
👉Website: https://thetabletalkproject.org/

👉Back at The Table Web App: https://thetabletalkproject.org/at-the-table/

👉Latest Blog Post: https://thetabletalkproject.org/category/the-table-talk-news/

👉Book our services: https://thetabletalkproject.org/speaking-engagements-and-presentations/

If this episode has raised questions about how to build safer, more connected environments for children and families, Kristi has created practical, trauma-informed resources to support parents and carers.

🔗 Explore education and tools:
👉 www.kristimcvee.com

Resources include:

conversation guides for families

body safety and consent education tools

support for calm, protective conversations without fear or overwhelm

If you or someone you love needs support, help is available:

Lifeline - 13 11 14 | lifeline.org.au

1800RESPECT (sexual assault, domestic & family violence) - 1800 737 732 | 1800respect.org.au

Kids Helpline (ages 5-25) - 1800 55 1800 | kidshelpline.com.au

If you are in immediate danger, please contact emergency services.