Recovering from sexual violence is a long-term process that extends far beyond the first 72 hours. In New Zealand, there are specific legal, financial, and emotional rights you should be aware of as you navigate the coming weeks and months.
1. Financial Support and Entitlements
The aftermath of violence can impact your ability to work or manage daily life. ACC and other agencies provide more than just therapy:
- Weekly Compensation: If your trauma (mental injury) makes it impossible for you to work, ACC can pay up to 80% of your income.
- Victim Assistance Scheme (VAS): You may be eligible for grants to cover costs related to the crime, such as travel to court, emergency moving costs, or security improvements for your home.
- Childcare and Home Help: If the trauma is affecting your ability to care for children or manage your household, ACC can often fund temporary support workers or childcare.
2. Your Legal Rights (Victims’ Rights Act 2002)
Regardless of whether you choose to go to court, you have protected rights in the NZ justice system:
- The Right to Information: If you report to the Police, they must keep you informed about the progress of the investigation and whether charges are laid.
- Victim Impact Statement: If the case goes to court, you have the right to tell the judge how the assault has affected your life before they sentence the offender.
- Court Support: You don’t have to face a courtroom alone. Organizations like Victim Support or specialist sexual violence agencies (like HELP) can provide a support person to sit with you.
3. Cultural and Holistic Healing
Healing isn’t one-size-fits-all. In Aotearoa, you can choose pathways that align with your values:
- Rongoā Māori: ACC now fully funds traditional Māori healing (including mirimiri, karakia, and whitiwhiti kōrero) as part of the Sensitive Claims process.
- Diverse Support: There are specialist services for specific communities, such as Male Survivors Aotearoa, OutLine (for the LGBTQIA+ community), and Shakti (for migrant and refugee women).
4. Navigating the “Quiet” Symptoms
As the initial crisis fades, you might notice different challenges:
- Brain Fog and Work: You might find it hard to concentrate at work. This is a common symptom of “The Fog.” It is okay to ask your employer for temporary flexibility—you don’t have to disclose the full details of why.
- Relationship Shifts: Your intimate relationships may feel different. This is normal. Specialist counsellors can help you and your partner navigate this transition safely.
Key Resources for the Journey
- Find Support NZ: Use this to find a therapist who specializes in exactly what you need (e.g., specific ethnicities, genders, or types of therapy like EMDR).
- The Harbour: A dedicated NZ website with stories and resources for survivors and their whānau to help normalize the recovery process.
- Victim Support (0800 842 846): Available 24/7 for practical help and navigating the justice system.
Finding the right cultural or specialized support is an essential part of choosing who you allow on your waka. In Aotearoa, we have dedicated services designed to provide holistic, community-specific pathways for healing that go beyond standard clinical settings.
1. Rongoā Māori & Holistic Healing
ACC now fully funds Rongoā Māori as a standalone treatment. This means you can access traditional healing alongside, or instead of, Western talk therapy.
- Mirimiri & Romiromi: Physical bodywork to help release the “stored” trauma in your muscles and nervous system.
- Whitiwhiti Kōrero: Culturally grounded conversation and spiritual support.
- Karakia & Waiata: Using sound and intention to settle the wairua (spirit).
- How to access: You can find a list of ACC-registered Rongoā practitioners on the ACC website or by asking your recovery coordinator. You do not need a GP referral.
2. Specialized Community Support
If you are looking for a “crew” that understands your specific background, identity, or language, these organizations offer targeted advocacy and crisis support:
| Organization | Best For | What they offer |
| Shakti | Migrant & Refugee women | Culturally competent support in multiple languages; help with immigration issues related to family violence. |
| OutLine Aotearoa | LGBTQIA+ / Rainbow | Confidential peer support and specialist counselling for the rainbow community. |
| Male Survivors Aotearoa | Men | 1-on-1 peer support and groups specifically for men who have experienced sexual violation. |
| Te Puna Oranga | Māori-led support | Whānau-centered crisis support and advocacy grounded in tikanga Māori. |
3. The ACC “Sensitive Claims” Navigator
If the process of finding a provider feels overwhelming, you can use a Navigator.
- What they do: These are specialists (often social workers) whose entire job is to help you find the right therapist or Rongoā practitioner.
- How to get one: When you first contact ACC or a provider like Safe to Talk, ask: “Can I have a navigator to help me find the right cultural support?”
4. Next Steps for Funding
To get these services paid for by ACC:
- Find a Provider: You can search the Find Support NZ website and filter by “Māori Provider,” “LGBTQIA+ Friendly,” or “Language.”
- The First Session: Your first session is usually an “Engagement” session. The provider will handle the paperwork for you to get your claim lodged.
- No Cost: These sessions are fully funded—you should never be asked to pay a “surcharge” for an ACC Sensitive Claim.
Staying Safe and Sane 