19 November 2012

HELPline Left High And Dry

The Government promised resolve funding issues for Auckland’s HELPline but instead they have left them high and dry, forcing them to reduce services, the Green Party said today.

HELPline have today made public their struggles in trying to secure on-going funding to allow them to continue to support survivors of rape and sexual abuse. They have announced that they are going to have to carry out restructuring and reduce their service because of a lack of response from the Government on the issue of funding.

“All over the country services are being reduced and closed despite increases in survivors seeking help, leaving people with nowhere to go to get the help they need,” Green Party spokesperson for women Jan Logie said today.

“The Government needs to finally commit adequate funding for sexual violence support services like Auckland’s HELPline.

“The Green Party campaign ‘everyone needs the right help’ is giving people the chance to share their stories about what services helped them with their recovery, and why these are so valuable.

“The Government needs to increase funding to sexual violence support services; showing how valuable they are will help to put the pressure on to do so.

“Sexual assaults are one of the most under reported and violent crimes, and easily accessible counselling services are so important for recovery.

“Early intervention by a specialist counsellor can reduce mental health impacts, improve well-being and assist people to reclaim their roles in their families and communities.

“People that use HELPline have told me that it saved their life and helped them to recover from abuse. Adequate funding for services like this is crucial for victims of sexual violence,” said Ms Logie.

The ‘everyone needs the right help’ campaign’s Facebook page:
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Everyone-needs-the-right-help/419702868086489?fref=ts

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