NOC NOC, Who's there? Proposed research of Moral Injury within non-offending caregivers and peer support groups.
| Friday, May 22, 2026 |
| 12:00 PM - 12:01 PM |
Speaker
Major Ian Carter
Army Officer
Adf
NOC NOC, Who's there? Proposed research of Moral Injury within non-offending caregivers and peer support groups.ni
Abstract Document
Poster Abstract
The importance of support networks and peer support groups in recovery for those experiencing negative mental health or trauma cannot be understated. However, who and what is there for those individuals who by virtue of geography, relationship, or misfortune happen to make up that support group and how do we both acknowledge and support them through trauma and moral injury?
As a father of a daughter who was sexually and physically abused by her stepfather, physically and psychologically abused into silence by her mother, and who now suffers from psychogenic non-epileptic seizures as a result, I have an unenviable and unique perspective. I have experienced a justice system seemingly designed to not deliver justice, a medical system which does not fully understand my daughter’s condition, a society which avoids and stigmatises both the seizures and the cause of them, and a family law construct which defaults to treating fathers as the guilty party. Over the past few years as I have fought for justice, continued to support my daughter and family, and continue with study and work, I have seen both the real and potential impact moral injury has had on every organisation I have interacted with.
The majority of moral injury research focuses on emergency services, military, and health care, where it can be pre-empted and mitigated with the correct strategies. Unfortunately, they are not the only ones effected. The unprepared non-offending caregiver or peer support group often find themselves facing impossible scenarios with no prior training or understanding. Researching this field utilising a phenomenological lens would allow more nuanced understanding and help individuals, groups, and mental health professionals better support each other and the patients.
Therefore, the aim of this presentation is to highlight the need for research into supporting non-offending caregivers and peer support groups through the lens of lived experience, with the ultimate goal of starting a conversation and seeking guidance from a wider audience in preparation for applying to commence a PhD in 2027.
As a father of a daughter who was sexually and physically abused by her stepfather, physically and psychologically abused into silence by her mother, and who now suffers from psychogenic non-epileptic seizures as a result, I have an unenviable and unique perspective. I have experienced a justice system seemingly designed to not deliver justice, a medical system which does not fully understand my daughter’s condition, a society which avoids and stigmatises both the seizures and the cause of them, and a family law construct which defaults to treating fathers as the guilty party. Over the past few years as I have fought for justice, continued to support my daughter and family, and continue with study and work, I have seen both the real and potential impact moral injury has had on every organisation I have interacted with.
The majority of moral injury research focuses on emergency services, military, and health care, where it can be pre-empted and mitigated with the correct strategies. Unfortunately, they are not the only ones effected. The unprepared non-offending caregiver or peer support group often find themselves facing impossible scenarios with no prior training or understanding. Researching this field utilising a phenomenological lens would allow more nuanced understanding and help individuals, groups, and mental health professionals better support each other and the patients.
Therefore, the aim of this presentation is to highlight the need for research into supporting non-offending caregivers and peer support groups through the lens of lived experience, with the ultimate goal of starting a conversation and seeking guidance from a wider audience in preparation for applying to commence a PhD in 2027.
Biography
Major Carter has spent close to 30 years as a soldier working primarily in airborne operations and aerial logistics, however, in the past decade has also worked as a suicide prevention and positive mental health advocate.
In 2025 Major Carter completed his second Master's degree, this time in Counselling. His capstone project on understanding and supporting non-offending caregivers of childhood sexual abuse induced psychogenic non-epileptic seizure (PNES) suffers generated considerable interest and encouragement to continue his academic journey towards a PhD.
Major Carter is a well-respected lived experience presenter who has championed many initiatives over the years and uses his own journey to inspire and educate others. His lived experience of moral injury in its many forms has shaped his journey significantly and he feels his purpose in life now is to provide deeper understanding of nuanced problem sets he and others have experienced. He is particularly passionate about increasing resilience within PNES suffers support networks and improving wider understanding of the condition.
