Nelson charity ‘appalled’ by efforts to host freedom campers instead of homeless
A Nelson charity is “appalled” by bolstered efforts to host freedom campers rather than the city’s homeless. Published in TV NZ
Articles
Courage in the void of suicide
Suffering can produce something; it’s not random or meaningless, nor merely something to get rid of. It can act as either a fertiliser or a poison, writes Dr Chris Bowden….
Male rape survivors suffer in silence. We need to help them talk
Gender norms compound the trauma for men who are victims of rape and sexual abuse. It’s time to give them support. Published in The Guardian
Abuse in care: Files show government department knew of rape allegations
An abuse survivor is asking the Royal Commission of Inquiry to investigate why a government agency failed to protect her when made aware of allegations she was being raped while…
Reynhard Sinaga case: why male victims and survivors need their own support system
The crimes of Reynhard Sinaga described by prosecutors as “the most prolific rapist in British history” have shocked and horrified many people. But the case has also highlighted that rape…
The Indigenous therapist working with horses to help people heal trauma – a program also used by Male Survivors Aotearoa
As firefighters and victims struggle with the impact of catastrophic fires, a qualified Indigenous counsellor says therapy with horses can help first responders and accident victims overcome a range of…
Reynhard Sinaga’s conviction must shatter the myth that rape doesn’t happen to men
The recent conviction of Reynhard Sinaga, described by the media as the most prolific rapist in British history, has brought into public consciousness what for many had previously been invisible…
UK’s most prolific rapist gets life in prison for targeting 195 men
A man described as “the most prolific rapist in British legal history” has been sentenced to life in prison with a possible release after 30 years following his conviction for…
Focus on traumatized boys critical to gender equality, new research shows
TORONTO — Boys in poor urban areas around the world are suffering even more than girls from violence, abuse and neglect, groundbreaking international research published on Monday suggests. The study…
Specialist sexual violence social work: Ensuring good practice
This research sought to understand social workers’ perspectives on good practice in specialist sexual violence social work practice in Aotearoa New Zealand. Read article (PDF) By By Bridget Leary and…
From the Chairman’s desk, December 2019
Kia ora koutou,The end of 2019 provides a welcome opportunity to pause, reflect and re-energise as we approach a demanding schedule of work in the first half of 2020. This…
Move to lift Catholic clergy sex abuse secrecy is too late, survivor says
A New Zealand church abuse survivor says the Vatican’s decision to abolish secrecy clauses for Catholic clerical sex crime cases is “far too late”. Pope Francis this week announced “pontifical…
What is known about effective recovery services for men who have been sexually abused?
This literature review brings together current evidence about effective approaches to support men who have been sexually abused (as children and/or adults) in their journey of recovery. The Ministry of…
Gaps in Sexual Assault Health Care Among Homeless Young Adults
Interventions are needed to increase use of preventive care after experiencing sexual assault among young adults experiencing homelessness. Read article (PDF) By American Journal of Preventive Medicine December 2019
A sex abuse survivors advocate says sexual offence laws need to change
A 37-year-old woman has been jailed for two-and-a-half-years for sexually abusing students while she taught at Marlborough Boys’ College. She could only be charged with sexual conduct with a person…
Hundreds of Kiwi children harmed while in the care of Oranga Tamariki
Nearly 500 babies, children and teenagers in Oranga Tamariki care experienced physical, emotional and sexual harm, and neglect in just one year. The first full annual report on harm in…
MSA issues policy discussion paper on Working with Gangs.
The MSA discussion paper is issued to inform a policy development conversation and to provide guidance for its member organisations. Read article (PDF)
Catholic priests jailed for sexually abusing deaf children in Argentina
Two Roman Catholic priests were each sentenced to more than 40 years in prison in Argentina for sexually abusing deaf children, a court in the western city of Mendoza ruled…
Research report: LGBTQI experiences of seeking help and justice in the wake of sexual harm
Within Aotearoa/New Zealand’s justice system and help-providing professions, little is known or understood about LGBTQI experiences of sexual harm. In this research report, which is based on research I conducted…
Press release (Ministry of Health): Suicide Prevention Office gets down to work
Media Statement By Rt Hon Jacinda Adern (Prime Minister), Hon Dr David Clark (Minister of Health) 27 November 2019 New Zealand’s first ever Suicide Prevention Office has officially opened today…
Outrage after Catholic Church leader allegedly justified abuse
A woman molested as a five-year-old girl by a high-profile Catholic theologian is outraged at a church leader justifying his abuse. A Catholic leader is accused of telling a woman…
Two survivors quit Royal Commission advisory group
Two abuse survivors have quit a Royal Commission advisory group in fallout from being unknowingly exposed to a paedophile. The two men accuse the new chair Judge Coral Shaw of…
Altar boys say they were abused by priests at the Vatican
Former altar boys have claimed they were molested by priests inside the Vatican, as a lingering scandal surrounding widespread abuse in the Catholic Church erupts at its headquarters once again….
‘You ruined me’: New Zealand’s abuse survivors speak at landmark inquiry
Survivors are given a voice at first public hearings of investigation into historical abuse of thousands of children in state and faith-based care. On the morning Annasophia Calman is due…