Dr Nick Smith, Minister for ACC, today announced full funding for counselling, transport, childcare, educational opportunities, outpatient visits, social activities and other support for survivors of sexual abuse and assault. The main aim of the brand new ACC scheme, details of which have been classified until today, will be to help survivors overcome the serious effects of sexual abuse. Cost, assessment, oversight and documentation will be secondary to providing a compassionate, safe and fulfilling environment in which people of all ages, genders and circumstances can find the help they need. Dr Smith recognises that this is a totally new direction for ACC but says that survivors of sexual abuse are some of the most hurt members of our society and need the government's help. "Survivors need to know that we will do everything we can to support them as they work to better their own lives. It can take years and progress is sometimes slow, but no one in this country should have to live with the debilitating and serious effects of sexual abuse or assault. Everyone deserves a chance to heal and to live to their full potential."
Update: Dr Nick Smith has withdrawn the announcement he made this morning and has crawled back into his hole. He continues to show no interest in the effects of the clinical pathway imposed upon clients of ACC or in implenting the review he promised almost six months ago. The future remains bleak.
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