Being heard, being acknowledged – powerful steps towards building trust and confidence. The government intends to create a new, independent redress system for survivors of abuse in state care and faith-based institutions. Its exact design is yet to be decided, but will be developed in collaboration with survivors, Māori, PacificContinue Reading
Receiving external validation is a big helper in moving past the secrecy, shame and guilt almost always felt by victims of sexual abuse. “There is enormous power in stating expressly what you want to criminalise, because that in itself provides an educative function, that in itself empowers victims to beContinue Reading
The roads to recovery are many and varied but we all share in its difficulty and the many obstacles. Remember to reach out for support and find those who understand to help you along the way. Two sexual assault victims say ACC discouraged them from making claims and failed toContinue Reading
When sexual abuse is no longer kept secret, it opens up more avenues for healing. This is especially true around the letting go of shame and it also permits others, with similar experiences and who may be struggling, to come forward. When Neil Harding began a class action against Dilworth,Continue Reading
Male survivors of sexual abuse will be pleased to learn that prosecution of offenders is now much safer for victims. “We know that victims of sexual violence often don’t come forward because they fear the process of seeking justice will end up doing them more harm. Over time, the changesContinue Reading
From the Joint Venture Business Unit Hon Marama Davidson, Minita mō te Ārai i te Whakarekereke Whānau me te Koeretanga (Minister for the Prevention of Family Violence and Sexual Violence) and the Joint Venture of the Social Wellbeing Board invite you to the online launch of Te Aorerekura – the National Strategy and Action Plan for the Elimination of Family Violence and Sexual Violence Continue Reading
Minister for the Prevention of Family Violence and Sexual Violence Marama Davidson has approved five funding grants to support national-level family violence and sexual violence prevention initiatives for LGBTQIA+ people, disabled people, older people and new migrant communities. “Local community initiatives are a key lever in reducing violence. The GovernmentContinue Reading
