Help at last on the horizon for sexual abuse victims

An article from Te Waha Nui by Kayla Langhorne

Sexual abuse victims are hoping a review of ACC’s Sensitive Claims Pathway will finally bring them the counselling they need.
The pathway, implemented on October 27 last year, introduced a requirement for victims to prove mental injury with a clinical diagnosis, often requiring them to undergo multiple assessments before a decision on their claim was made. The system has been widely contested by professionals who say the guidelines effectively prevent victims from accessing counselling services.
Accident Compensation Minister Nick Smith announced the review yesterday. In an announcement on the Beehive website the Minister said: “I have been very hesitant as a politician to interfere in clinical decisions but acknowledge the changes have caused controversy. That is why I have initiated this independent clinical review to ensure best possible practice in this sensitive area.”
Paulette Benton-Greig, agency development manager for Auckland Sexual Abuse Help (ASAH), says many people who had contacted the agency were distressed and anxious because they were unable to get help under the existing pathway. “They feel that they are being invalidated and they’re having to deal with a really difficult system.”
Benton-Greig says a woman who was abducted, raped and assaulted was denied ACC-funded counselling on the grounds that she required more information to justify the claim, despite having a medical assessment that confirmed the assault.
Labour list MP Lynne Pillay has her doubts about the review, saying it is a “sham” and that she is concerned as to how long it will take and how meaningful it is. Pillay says the pathway needs to cease now. She says she has heard from victims contemplating suicide because they are unable to receive help. “At this very time hundreds and hundreds of people are not receiving the treatment and support that they need.”
Benton-Greig also said the current pathway needs to be “abandoned”. “They need to work with service providers to find a system that works and is effective and doesn’t harm people who need access.”
Auckland psychotherapist Kyle MacDonald, who organised the 4000-strong petition that contributed to the Government’s decision to have the review, says he would like to see a rigorous review of the system. “I think there needs to be an investigation as to how all of this has actually occurred.
“This has been a hatchet job and it has destroyed a system that thousands of vulnerable New Zealanders rely upon for psychological support.”
Benton-Greig says ASAH have been compiling anecdotal evidence from clients outlining their experiences with the current ACC pathway. “We will be using that information to submit to that review, to support our argument that the changes have lead to serious impacts on survivors [of sexual abuse].”
The review panel consists of Dr Barbara Disley, clinical psychologist Clive Banks, consultant Ruth Herbert and psychiatrist Professor Graham Mellsop. They are expected to report back to the Minister by the end of July.

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