
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.


Poll: Have you seen dangerous dirt bike riding in your area?
Reckless dirt bike riders on the streets of Hamilton have prompted police to issue a public safety warning and an appeal for witnesses.
They have observed a growing number of incidents involving dirt bikes being ridden in an unsafe and dangerous manner around the city, said Senior Sergeant Scott McKenzie, Hamilton area manager for youth and community.
Have you seen dangerous dirt bike riding in your area? Tell us more in the comments (adding NFP if you don't want your words used in print).

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63.2% Yes, often
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15.8% Occasionally
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21.1% No

Show us your projects
Whether it's craft, haberdashery, woodwork or upcycling, we'd love to see what you've been working on lately.
You may even spark someone else's creativity...
Tell us about your current project or show us a picture in the comments below...


Poll: If you could rewind time, would you choose a different career?
It might not be too late for you, but some people look back and wish they had taken a different career path.
If you could go back in time, would you choose something different? Let us know what you would have chosen in the comments below.

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56.7% Yes
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42.7% No
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0.5% Other - I'll share below