Southland's rape crisis centre continues to struggle to meet needs of sexual abuse victims since ACC cuts to funding for counselling services in 2009.© 2012 Fairfax NZ News
Centre manager Susana Lepoamo said referrals to the Invercargill centre – which serves the whole of Southland – had nearly doubled in 2010 as a result, with 173 referrals that year. Of these, 154 wanted counselling.
A waiting list for the long-term counselling that the crisis centre provided – a service ACC used to offer – was set up. With only two fulltime staff, this was a heavy load and it took time she said.
In the 2010-2011 year, referrals had dropped to 80, with 42 wanting counselling. The year to date – July 2011 till March 2012 – had 69 referrals for Southland.
The drop in referrals hadn't been analysed, but it was possible it was because there was still a waiting list for counselling services. Most referrals came from New Zealand Police or community agencies. A small percentage were self-referrals, many coming to the centre after the New Year when people were re-evaluating their lives, she said. "A waiting list for this is not ideal."
Education facilitator Natalie Bennie said survivors had counted on ACC support to provide longer support than what they were equipped to offer. The crisis centre offers 10 free sessions for victims. "Especially in the historical cases [of abuse] there is a social and emotional impact. They need time to resolve this."
The impact of long-term abuse could not be resolved in 10 sessions. "They can't just be dropped out in the cold."
Eventually, the board that oversaw the rape crisis centre wanted the services to be 50 per cent preventive services, she said. However the service was still centred on counselling services.
Ms Bennie said further strategic planning – including the gathering of Southland-specific statistics – was being done.
The centre had also seen a rise in referrals following youth-based initiatives in schools, such as the Breaking the Silence 2010 pilot initiative. Another initiative in schools was planned for the winter, she said.
Centre services in Invercargill began in 1981 with a Women's Supportline Southland – a telephone service staffed by volunteers working from their homes.
The service evolved into the Rape and Abuse Support Centre Southland and began a service to male abuse victims in 2009.
http://www.stuff.co.nz/southland-times/news/6841187/ACC-cuts-see-woe-for-rape-counselling
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