ACC reverses funding cuts for sex victims

An article from the Otago Daily Times

Accident Compensation Corporation (ACC) has backed down on funding cuts and will provide extra support to survivors of sexual abuse.
Last October ACC cut counselling for victims of rape and other sexual abuse "sensitive claims", and funding was restricted to those with a diagnosed mental injury resulting from sexual abuse or assault, sparking outrage and protests from sexual abuse groups.
But yesterday it announced that from next week people with a new ACC sensitive claim, or with a new claim already in the system but awaiting a decision, would be able to access up to 16 hours with a counsellor.
"ACC has listened to concerns expressed by several groups that more support is needed. Those groups included the public, the sexual abuse treatment sector, and the independent panel appointed by the minister to review the sensitive claims pathway," said ACC's general manager of claims management, Denise Cosgrove.
The 16 hours should be sufficient to meet the needs of many people, who would not need further ACC cover or ACC-funded treatment, she said.
The sessions would be used to gather information on a cover decision for those who did demonstrate signs of a possible mental injury arising from sexual abuse.
A number of details are yet to be finalised, such as what special arrangements might be put in place for children and what support will be available for people who have suffered a relapse, or whose sensitive claims have previously been declined or reactivated.
ACC acknowledged last year's cuts "exposed gaps in the services available to people who have suffered sexual abuse," Ms Cosgrove said.
"We will be continuing to develop the sensitive claims process, and will take into account the views of the sector, the final report of the independent panel and the cross-government work being carried out following the recent findings of the Taskforce on Sexual Violence."
Rape Prevention Education director Kim McGregor told the New Zealand Herald more than 16 hours was needed in many cases, but it was an "extremely welcome" move.
The 16 hour figure pertained to adults who had experienced one sexual assault but would be inappropriate for child sexual abuse and for most survivors of more than one sexual assault, she said.
Dr McGregor said last year's cutback had affected survivors of sexual violence, and counsellors.
Some would have become suicidal, harmed themselves or closed down and put up with whatever they were dealing with for another 10 years, she said.

© Allied Press Ltd 2010
http://www.odt.co.nz/news/national/120372/acc-reverses-funding-cuts-sex-victims