Keeping the ‘right door’ open for survivors of sexual violence
Victim-survivors of sexual violence don’t want to talk about what’s happened to them, so it is critical they can safely tell their story once, and once only, to get the immediate help and ongoing support they need.
“The first door they knock on has to be the right door,” says Dr Kate Taylor, Trust Chair of the Midlands Sexual Assault Support Service (MSASS).
“Victim-Survivors don’t have the capacity to advocate for themselves, you can’t send them elsewhere, they won’t make a second call. Our service ensures they get support, without having to repeat themselves.”
The need for MSASS services is significant - sexual violence is much more prevalent than most people believe. The most recent New Zealand Crime and Victims Survey says that 78,000 adults, some 1.9% of the adult population, one in fifty, had been subjected to sexual violence in the last year.
The percentages are even higher for some population groups, particularly young women, and these numbers don’t include children and youth. The overall rate of victimhood is not believed to be growing but the numbers seeking help is steadily increasing.
“The numbers suggest there cannot be one person in this country who does not know someone affected, whether we’re aware of it or not,” says Simone Molenaar, the Chief Vision Officer at MSASS.
Tenants trash home, spray graffiti inside and outside
A Hamilton landlord has been awarded thousands of dollars after tenants left a rental property riddled with graffiti, damage and piles of abandoned furniture, then failed to show up to their own Tenancy Tribunal hearing.
The Tenancy Tribunal has ordered two former tenants of the Inverness Ave property to pay $2,585.83 after their bond was applied to cover unpaid rent, cleaning, rubbish removal, lock changes and repairs.
Poll: Are you a Te Huia fan?
All three Hamilton MPs appear to be united behind the retention of the Te Huia passenger rail service between Hamilton and Auckland, as well as potentially expanding it to Tauranga.
But whether Hamilton East’s Ryan Hamilton, Hamilton West’s Tama Potaka and soon-to-be Labour list MP Georgie Dansey have the combined power to shunt transport minister Chris Bishop and Prime Minister Christopher Luxon onto their line of thinking remains to be seen.
Are you a Te Huia fan? Tell us more in the comments (adding NFP if you don't want your words used in print).
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83.9% Yes
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16.1% No
Hukanui Open Tournament
Sunday 8th March
Registration 9am for 10am shotgun start
18 holes, mixed tournament
For enquiries or to enter contact:
Hukanui Golf Club
Phone 07-8243784
Email: hukanuigolf@xtra.co.nz
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