Sex abuse victims 'not getting help from ACC'

An article from the Southland Times by Ceana Priest

Invercargill sexual abuse victims are not getting the help they need and now the area is at risk of losing a counsellor following changes to the ACC sensitive claims process, counsellors said.
Southland-Otago Catholic Social Services director Ian Donnelly said there had been a substantial drop in referrals since the changes were implemented last year. "Referrals for our Invercargill counsellor are down and it means women who need counselling are not getting it."
Their Invercargill counsellor worked two days each week and client numbers reduced from 16 in July last year to four in April.
Mr Donnelly said two-thirds of their clients were ACC referrals. "We now have difficulties in supporting our counsellors, the funding being paid to our counsellors is reduced. There is a risk of losing a counsellor but the worst part is people aren't getting the help they need."
Implemented in October, the clinical framework for the ACC Sensitive Claims Unit changed the way people are funded for counselling of sexual abuse.
Previously, ACC funded four sessions for counsellors to discuss clients' history and send their recommendations to ACC. Now one session is funded before the victim is referred to a specialist for a mental health diagnosis.
The new framework is under review after it was opposed by organisations including the New Zealand Psychological Society, NZ College of Clinical Psychologists and Mental Health Foundation.
ACC Minister Nick Smith announced an independent review in April and expected the group to report back this month.
His press secretary, Simon Beattie, said: "The minister appreciates concerns about the way ACC have handled sensitive claims and that is why he set up the review."
Counsellor and social worker Marion Bottle, of Invercargill, said the process intimidated people seeking help. "For most people, coming to see a counsellor is a traumatic process and it can take many years to get up the courage.
"After the first session they might not get to see that counsellor again and there is no time to build rapport or condense their history into one hour.
"Many come for an individual session then won't come back because the process is too intimidating. Some might end up in the mental health services, no-one can tell exactly what will happen to them."
Her ACC counselling hours reduced from 61 in July last year to 27 in June. "My clients were 70 per cent from ACC but now only 10 or 15 per cent. Counsellors' jobs are at risk."
An ACC media liaison officer refused to comment while the framework was being reviewed.

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