Helpline supports anyone affected by sexual harm
A ‘‘vital’’ new 24/7 helpline has been launched to support the thousands of New Zealanders who experience sexual harm each year.
‘‘Safe to Talk’’ (He pai ki te ko¯ rero) is a confidential text, phone and email service available to anyone affected by sexual harm in any way – for both survivors and perpetrators.
In a New Zealand first, the service, launched by Minister of Social Development Carmel Sepuloni in Auckland yesterday, provides phone, text and webchat support around medical, emotional, and behavioural issues related to harmful experiences.
Staff on the other end of the phone, led by psychiatrist Dr Siale Foliaki, are experienced sexual trauma professionals.
It was a ‘‘vital and necessary service’’, Foliaki said.
Between January 2016 and January 2017, 5865 people were the victim of rape or sexual assault in New Zealand, according to support agency Wellington Sexual Abuse HELP.
The majority of those were women aged 15-19. In New Zealand, up to one in three girls will be subject to an unwanted sexual experience by the age of 16. For Ma¯ ori girls and women, the likelihood of sexual violence is nearly twice as high as the general population. And about one in seven boys and men will have experienced sexual abuse by the time they reach adulthood.
The act of disclosing a problem of sexual harm can be as big as the problem itself, he said.
‘‘Victims – who should actually be known as survivors – should be aware they are the one who is in control of what happens after an act of sexual harm has occurred – no matter if the act is perceived as small, whether the person is known to them or they feel powerless at the time.’’ Getting the right help at the right time was key but for many this could be a daunting step for someone to take, Foliaki said.
Shame and self-blame could act as barriers preventing someone from reaching out for help, so anonymity is a key part of the service.
Those using the service do not have to give any personal details, and can say as much or as little as they like.
‘‘Safe To Talk’’ is suitable for people looking for advice in the immediacy of an incident, or support for a historical act of harm.
The service also offers referrals to specialists in a person’s area, information for family and friends wanting to support someone, information and contact with a specialist for people worried about their own sexually harmful thoughts or behaviour, and connections or referral to medical practitioners for medical care or forensic medical examination.
Due to the hidden nature of sexual harm it can be difficult to gather an accurate picture of the problem, with an estimated 9 per cent of incidents ever reported to police.
Since it was rolled out across the country in April, 665 individual people have contacted the service.
‘‘Safe to Talk’’ is available free and 24/7 by calling 0800 044 334, texting 4334, emailing support@safetotalk.nz or online at www.safetotalk.nz