The prevalence of child sexual abuse among women in Auckland and rural Waikato.

“Comprehensive and timely services for whanau and communities affected by child sexual abuse are urgently required” says Dr David Jansen, Chairperson of Te ORA (Te Ohu Rata o Aotearoa; the Maori Medical Practitioners Association).

A study led by Dr Janet Fanslow, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Auckland found that Maori women in Auckland and rural Waikato were twice as likely to report having experienced sexual abuse before the age of fifteen.

“These findings highlight the need for comprehensive, culturally appropriate services for women, whanau and communities. It is not acceptable that whanau who are in need of these services are not able to access appropriate and timely assistance”.

“Treatment services to assist women to heal from the consequences of child sexual abuse are very important. These services also need to address the impact of child sexual abuse on other whanau members. Whanau healing should be an integral part of the management of child sexual abuse. More services that treat perpetrators of these types of abuse are also required.”

“Programmes and services to prevent child sexual abuse also need to be increased and strengthened. Prevention opportunities can be offered at a variety of sites including in schools and within communities where strategies for keeping our children safe can be developed and implemented” said Dr Jansen.

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