Wisdom against wickedness

For immediate release 06 July 2005

Wisdom against wickedness

Over 100 women joined together on last night (Tuesday) for the annual Urban Goddess Trust’s ‘Get a Touch of Goddess’ evening.

The Trust has been set up to support the Rape Crisis Auckland BodySafe in schools programme, which helps to protect young people from sexual abuse. The Body Safe programme aims to prevent date-rape and drug-rape while also assisting those who have experienced child sexual abuse (CSA) to seek help sooner.

Evidence, from local and international research, over the last 30 years estimates CSA at rates as high as 1 in 3-5 girls and 1 in 6-8 boys.

A recent survey by Otago Women’s Health, based on a community sample drawn from electoral rolls, found that 32% of women had experienced some form of sexual abuse before the age of 16 years and, of these 20% were under 12 years old.

The Youth 2000 study of more than 9,500 students drawn from schools around New Zealand found that more than 22% of girls and 11% of boys reported some form of unwanted sexual experience before the age of 18.

Despite an increase in CSA cases, there is a phenomenal lack of funding for such programmes such as Body Safe. Accordingly the women behind the Urban Goddess Trust have joined together to ensure this programme has continued support from the local community.

“We have been amazed by the response to the Urban Goddess Trust. To see so many woman turn out to support this cause and celebrate the goddess within has been an inspiration,” says co-patron of Urban Goddess Trust, Christina Sayers Wickstead.

The evening encouraged women to celebrate life, with Lindsey Dawson talking about her latest book, The Elemental You: Discover and Delight in Your Primal Personality, a stunning performance from singer Debbie Harwood and the highlight of the evening a ritual lead by Waiheke Island goddess Elizabeth Alexander.

ENDS

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