The Accident Compensation Corporation acknowledges victims of sexual abuse have fallen through the system under its new approach to treatment.Copyright © 2010 Radio New Zealand
ACC on Wednesday announced sexual abuse victims will be able to access up to 16 hours with a counsellor.
Last year the corporation introduced tougher guidelines that required it to focus treatment only on sexual abuse victims who have a diagnosed mental injury.
In June, it acknowledged it had moved too quickly to implement its new approach.
From Monday, 700 people awaiting a decision and anyone with a new claim will be eligible for the counselling.
The corporation says it is still working through what the latest changes will mean for those who were declined cover.
Labour MP Lynne Pillay says only 180 people had their applications for counselling approved in the past year, while 1500 were declined or put on hold. She says ACC's backdown is too little, too late.
http://www.radionz.co.nz/news/stories/2010/08/12/1dfa1c976a35
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