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: If we want to reduce speeding, what do you think actually changes driver behaviour? 🛻🚨🚓
In the Post's article on speeding penalties, the question is asked whether speeding fines are truly about road safety, or are they just a way to boost revenue for the Crown?
What do you think? Should speeding motorists receive speeding fines or demerit points?
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30.2% The sting of a fine (Money talks!)
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69.8% The threat of demerit points (Nobody wants to lose their license!)
Poll: How are your manu skills?
Waikato MP Tim van de Molen could have inadvertently been gifted his new election campaign slogan after taking out the Waikato Times political manu challenge.
Guest judge Alia McQueen said the National Party MP showed loads of “style and energy” as he out-bombed his parliamentary colleagues at Saturday’s impromptu manu challenge at Wellington Street Beach in Hamilton.
How are your manu skills? Tell us more in the comments (adding NFP if you don't want your words used in print).
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0% I'm pretty good
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0% Need work
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100% I've never tried
Do you recognise these people?
Police investigating a serious assault in Matangi are asking the public for help in identifying the offenders.
Two people were trying to speak to the occupants of a dark-coloured Ford Falcon on Saturday night that was doing noisy burnouts in the semi-rural area.
Anyone with information should contact 105 either over phone or online by clicking “Update Report”. Please use file number 260301/0526.
Information can also be provided anonymously through Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.
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