Asenati Lole-Taylor MP
Spokesperson for Social Policy and Welfare

31 July 2013

Help Also Needed Below the Bombay Hills

New Zealand First says the Government has overlooked a critical factor in the funding for supporting victims of sexual abuse – they are not all north of the Bombay Hills.

Minister for Social Development Paula Bennett announced today that the Government will boost funding for the Auckland Sexual Abuse Help Foundation (HELP) over the next three years to help victims of sexual abuse.

Social policy spokesperson Asenati Lole-Taylor says the funding falls well short of what is actually required to assist and support families dealing with sexual abuse because it is confined solely to the Auckland and Northern districts.

“This is a serious issue and it is important that the Government spreads the funding available throughout the country.

“There also needs to be effective programmes and funding to remove the barriers that prevent victims from talking about the issue, the approachability of support available, and the services they provide.

“Only a fraction of the number of sexual abuse cases are reported, therefore it is imperative for the Government to show leadership in this area and find the victims in serious need of support” says Mrs Lole-Taylor.

ENDS

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