ACC Abandons Our Community
Changes to ACC’s processes for victims and survivors of sexual assault and sexual abuse mean that it is now very hard for you to get ACC funded counselling.
In addition, information that you would have previously only had to have shared with your counsellor now needs to be discussed with at least 2 people.
There has been a lot of opposition to ACC’s inhumane changes which have been implemented purely to cut costs. ACC are targeting vulnerable people but at Counselling Services Centre, we will do everything we can to assist those who need to access ACC’s services.
Tell us about your experience with ACC by emailing emma.castle@csccounselling.org.nz
Read about what ACC are doing to victims and survivors, and what Agencies such as CSC are doing to help:
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10614305
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10614961
The information you give us will be used to communicate anonymously with those who need to know how this is affecting you.
A message to ACC and the Ministers of Parliament from the Counselling Team at CSC:
‘For thirty years a workforce has been growing, getting trained, gathering experience and learning to hear painful and often horrifying stories rather than fend them off, to serve a particular segment of our community.
Unlike football players and motorcycle riders, this group has not chosen to take risks that resulted in injury. Like children, the elderly, and the disabled, the welfare of this group is the responsibility of the whole community, if we are truly civilized.
We are aware that the governmental body that took the responsibility has chosen to move away from it. The policy now is to divest ACC of the identity of default provider. But that does not change the community and governmental responsibility for the results of sexual abuse.
We cannot go back to blaming the victim and pretending that sexual abuse does not happen. Our MPs are the people who need to address this, and find a new way to use the workforce that now exists; respect it, and enable it to continue to serve the group it exists to serve.’
Counselling Services Centre – who are we?
Counselling Services Centre was set up in 1986 as South Auckland HELP Foundation, delivering both Counselling and Crisis Support Services.
In 1998 we became a registered Charitable Trust after changing our name in 1992 to Counselling Services Centre due to the expanding needs of the Counties Manukau community.
The organization was established to deal specifically with victims of sexual abuse and sexual assault. Over time our service has broadened to include services to those whose lives are affected by domestic and family violence, homicide, relationship difficulties, grief, addiction, depression or anxiety.
We provide services to people living in the Counties Manukau/South Auckland district – the Bombay Hills to Otahuhu, including Manukau East and Maraetai.
There are 2 parts to Counselling Services Centre – Crisis and Counselling.
- Our experienced Team of Crisis Intervention staff provides a 24 hour, 7 day per week sexual assault call out service for adults (men and women) and young people 13 years and over. For young people 12 years and under and their caregivers and whanau, we will support and assist you through to the appropriate Agency
- We focus on you as a survivor and provide support to you and your whanau during Police statement taking, and forensic medical treatment and examinations
- We provide follow-up phone and face-to-face support and can arrange ongoing counselling for you, at the Agency
- Your safety and confidentiality is paramount
Counselling Team
Our qualified Team of counsellors accepts referrals from anyone to address any issues with which you need help
To make a referral, book an appointment, or enquire about how we could help you, phone, fax, or email us.
