Scoop has an Ethical Paywall
Work smarter with a Pro licence Learn More

Gordon Campbell | Parliament TV | Parliament Today | News Video | Crime | Employers | Housing | Immigration | Legal | Local Govt. | Maori | Welfare | Unions | Youth | Search

 

Funding boost for sexual violence crisis services

Media Release

July 2013

Funding gives sexual violence crisis services in the community the HELP they need

HELP (formerly Auckland Sexual Abuse HELP Foundation) are thrilled to announce the signing of an integrated three year contract with the Ministry of Social Development.

With contributors ranging from Accident Compensation Corporation (ACC) and Ministry of Justice, as well as the Ministry of Social Development, the contract will see HELP receiving funding of $457,000 per year to assist towards the provision of their vital services.

“This level of commitment from multiple ministries is a huge encouragement to HELP and the supporters who have walked with us on this journey to help survivors of sexual abuse, assault and rape in our community,” says Aimee Stockenstroom, Crisis Services Manager at HELP. “Through our conversations to date, it has been evident that Minister Bennett was fully committed to ensuring that this three year contract was secured. Minister Bennett shares our vision for survivors of sexual violence to access professional, consistent sexual violence services when they need it most.”

The contract gives certainty to the organisation, marking a significant step forward for HELP, who have been battling a funding shortfall for some time; a shortfall which has, at times, threatened the continuation of vital services, like their 24/7 HELPline. While sexual abuse remains a serious issue in our society - with one in five women in New Zealand facing an instance of sexual assault during their lifetime – it is hoped that this contract will also mark a turning point for our community.

Advertisement - scroll to continue reading

Are you getting our free newsletter?

Subscribe to Scoop’s 'The Catch Up' our free weekly newsletter sent to your inbox every Monday with stories from across our network.

As one of the specialist providers of sexual abuse support, HELP services the greater Auckland region. The sexual violence crisis response service, for which the funding is allocated, operates in Auckland, Waitakere and Northern districts and includes the 24/7 telephone support service (HELPline), a call out team of specialist trauma counsellors, an acute crisis counselling service and court preparation and support services.

While this contract provides assurance of stability, the 24/7 HELPline and Crisis Services are still not fully funded. They will continue to work with Philanthropic Trusts, local government and the public to raise the additional $100,00 needed to provide their professional 24/7 Crisis Support Services.

“We appreciate the community’s support at this time. We could not have achieved this result without you,” says Harriet Sewell, Agency Development Manager at HELP. “I still firmly believe that, together, we can bring about change – and a society free of sexual violence. “

-Ends-


© Scoop Media

Advertisement - scroll to continue reading
 
 
 
Parliament Headlines | Politics Headlines | Regional Headlines


Gordon Campbell: On The US Opposition To Mortgage Interest Deductibility For Landlords


Should landlords be able to deduct the interest on the loans they take out to bankroll their property speculation? The US Senate Budget Committee and Bloomberg News don't think this is a good idea, for reasons set out below. Regardless, our coalition government has been burning through a ton of political capital by giving landlords a huge $2.9 billion tax break via interest deductibility, while still preaching the need for austerity to the disabled, and to everyone else...
More


 
 

Government: Concerns Conveyed To China Over Cyber Activity
Foreign Minister Winston Peters has confirmed New Zealand’s concerns about cyber activity have been conveyed directly to the Chinese Government. “The Prime Minister and Minister Collins have expressed concerns today about malicious cyber activity... More

ALSO:


Government: GDP Decline Reinforces Government’s Fiscal Plan

Declining GDP for the December quarter reinforces the importance of restoring fiscal discipline to public spending and driving more economic growth, Finance Minister Nicola Willis says... More

ALSO:


Government: Humanitarian Support For Gaza & West Bank

Winston Peters has announced NZ is providing a further $5M to respond to the extreme humanitarian need in Gaza and the West Bank. “The impact of the Israel-Hamas conflict on civilians is absolutely appalling," he said... More


Government: New High Court Judge Appointed

Judith Collins has announced the appointment of Wellington Barrister Jason Scott McHerron as a High Court Judge. Justice McHerron graduated from the University of Otago with a BA in English Literature in 1994 and an LLB in 1996... More

 
 
 
 
 
 

LATEST HEADLINES

  • PARLIAMENT
  • POLITICS
  • REGIONAL
 
 

InfoPages News Channels


 
 
 
 

Join Our Free Newsletter

Subscribe to Scoop’s 'The Catch Up' our free weekly newsletter sent to your inbox every Monday with stories from across our network.