When the Party’s Over.   Opening the Red Gates design proposal.

For immediate release

Wednesday September 16th, 2009

Responding to the sexual, physical and emotional effects, on women and children, of a huge party like the Rugby World Cup, is the focus of the Homeworks Trust proposal for the Opening the Red Gates design competition for the Queens Wharf.

Homeworks Trust’s proposal highlights effects such as the increased rape and sexual assault that occurs at times of major sports fixtures, increased domestic violence and child abuse, the number of people who will have unintended pregnancies or sexually transmitted infections and the high numbers of people who will binge drink.

Debbie Hager – Chair of Homeworks Trust, says that the entry was inspired by a discussion about the purchase of the wharf for the World Cup.  During this, Paulette Benton-Greig, Agency Development Manager, Auckland Sexual Abuse HELP Foundation,  said that “when we hear Rugby World Cup, we just think about rape – because rape and sexual assault rates always increase during major sports games”. 

“We know that the Rugby World Cup will be a nation wide party – and that millions of people are looking forward to it.  However, we also need to be aware of the unintended consequences, especially for women and children, and be planning for these now” says Debbie.

This message is reinforced by Dr Kim McGregor ,Director of Rape Prevention Education, who says that “There is an urgent need for Auckland City Councillors to plan for the provision of care for the many extra rape survivors that will be the inevitable outcome of the Rugby World Cup.” 

“So many of us Kiwis will be right behind our All Blacks throughout the Rugby World Cup.” says Louise Nicholas, Survivor Advocate for Rape Prevention Education.   “Sadly there are likely to be many more rape survivors during this wonderful event.  Let’s ensure we are there to support them as well.”

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