1015 days ago

Keeping the ‘right door’ open for survivors of sexual violence

The Team from Momentum Waikato

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.

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More messages from your neighbours
21 days ago

Poll: As a customer, what do you think about automation?

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

The Press investigates the growing reliance on your unpaid labour.

Automation (or the “unpaid shift”) is often described as efficient ... but it tends to benefit employers more than consumers.

We want to know: What do you think about automation?
Are you for, or against?

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As a customer, what do you think about automation?
  • 9.3% For. Self-service is less frustrating and convenient.
    9.3% Complete
  • 43.7% I want to be able to choose.
    43.7% Complete
  • 47.1% Against. I want to deal with people.
    47.1% Complete
2461 votes
13 hours ago

Thames Branch NZ Society of Genealogists

Carolyn from Thames

Our genealogy adventures begin with us and what we know. Learn how to take the research journey back in time with like-minded people. Come along to the Thames Branch NZ Society of Genealogists monthly meeting, every 3rd Wednesday of the month. All welcome.

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3 days ago

Purple Poppy Day Saturday 21st February

Carolyn from Thames

Thames Museum Te Whare Taonga o te Kauaeranga is delighted to be working with Thames RSA to hold our town’s first Purple Poppy Day on 21st February. Purple Poppy day is held throughout the Commonwealth to honour the animals that served and died during WWI and WWII and continue to serve in current conflicts.
Our inaugural Purple Poppy Day features creatures from glowworms and pigeons to camels and elephants.
The competition on the day, PEOPLE AND PETS WEAR PURPLE and/or KHAKI is a fun way to get involved, with lots of neat prizes.

PEOPLE AND PETS WEAR PURPLE and/or KHAKI will be held weather permitting. All other activities will take place inside the museum is the weather isn’t so good.

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