Sue Moroney
Women’s Affairs Spokesperson

21 November 2012

Sexual abuse victims failed by Government

The Government’s refusal to maintain funding for a sexual abuse helpline couldn’t have come at a worse time - in the lead-up to White Ribbon Day, Labour’s spokesperson for Women's Affairs, Sue Moroney.

"New Zealanders will be out on force over the next few days to support the White Ribbon campaign, which is designed to raise awareness of violence against women.

“How ironic it is then that John Key and his ministers should show such indifference to that cause by not maintaining funding to HELP, an Auckland-based support service set up to help victims of domestic violence.

“The same helpline was threatened with closure last year. At that stage the Government committed to setting up a cross-agency group to find a long-term solution. So far, it has failed to do that.

“Basic funding and support for victims of rape and sexual abuse should be a no-brainer.

“The Government must make good on its promise to look into sustainable funding and be open about its rationale if its decision is to deny sexual assault victims support,” Sue Moroney said.

ENDS

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