Reversal of ACC funding cuts for sexual abuse victims welcome news, says Foundation

The Mental Health Foundation welcomes Accident Compensation Corporation’s (ACC) decision to provide extra support to survivors of sexual abuse.

Since last October – when ACC cut counselling for victims of rape and other sexual abuse ‘sensitive’ claims, and funding was restricted to those with a diagnosed mental injury resulting from sexual abuse or assault – the Foundation has received many enquiries expressing concern about the negative impact on people’s mental health of this decision.

From Monday, people with a new ACC sensitive claim, or with a new claim already in the system but awaiting a decision, will be able to access up to 16 hours with a counsellor.

“For many people who have survived sexual abuse, counselling is a lifeline and taking it away left many vulnerable people with nowhere else to turn,” says Judi Clements, Mental Health Foundation Chief Executive. “Some people will need more than 16 hours counselling, but it’s great news that ACC has listened to the concerns from various groups including survivors of sexual abuse, mental health organisations, sexual abuse counsellors and the general public.”

“We applaud their decision,” says Ms Clements.

ENDS

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