TOAH-NNEST
Te Ohaakii a Hine- National Network for Ending Sexual Violence Together

Louise Nicholas: Release Of TASV

Press Release 11am 22 October 2009

Web: www.rapecrisis.org.nz

It is without a doubt that today is one of celebration for survivors and the sexual violence sector with the release of the Report of the Taskforce for Action on Sexual Violence (TASV). On behalf of all survivors of sexual violence I would like to thank TOAH-NNEST (Te Ohaakii a Hine National Network Ending Sexual Violence Together) and the Government Ministries who over the past two years took up the challenge to provide survivors, service providers and agencies within the sexual violence sector a future that will see sexual violence eliminated from the shores of Aotearoa/New Zealand.

As a survivor of childhood and adult rape my journey alone has been one filled with too many injustices, too many questions and not enough answers. I have been through the judicial system seven times in the past 15 years seeking those answers but have always come up against barriers and systems that have prevented me and my family finding that justice and seeking closure on a life that has dealt too many blows. From the age of 13 I found I had lost many battles but today I feel a war has finally been won.

Today’s release of the Report of the Taskforce for Action on Sexual Violence (TASV) is one huge step to ensuring that what I and many others have had to endure over our lifetimes will now help those who are yet to travel their own journey to heal.

Thank you to all members of the TASV who have shown amazing commitment and dedication to this report and for finally bringing hope and allowing our voices which have been silenced for too long to finally be heard.

ends

© Scoop Media