$10 million funding boost for sexual violence services

The government has announced a $10 million funding boost for sexual violence services over the next two years. The sector has been in crisis due to lack of funding, increased demand, and resignation of specialists due to burn-out.

The extra funding includes support for:

• Frontline crisis-response services;
• Community-based treatment services;
• Services for male survivors;
• People accessing medical and forensic services.

The current Social Services Select Committee inquiry into funding of specialist sexual violence services has highlighted the crisis the sector is experiencing. Social Development Minister Paula Bennett said she couldn't wait for the outcome of the inquiry.

"This funding boost in Budget 2014 will provide immediate stability for the specialist services providing vital support for New Zealanders and their families impacted by sexual violence."

Agencies have welcomed the funding to stabilise the sector in the short term, but are unsure funding will continue past the two year period. Executive Director of Rape Prevention Education, Kim McGregor, said the sector has been underfunded for many years and the funding will help stop the loss of trained staff. Ken Clearwater of Male Survivors of Sexual Abuse said this is the first time funding for male survivors has been provided, and would provide "a concrete base to move forward."

The funding has also been criticised as being too late. Labour Party Social Development spokesperson Sue Moroney said,

"The Government has responded by delivering $ 10.4 million over the next two years, after having ignored the plight of the sector which has faced an increased demand for services with less funding."

She said the government also ignored the 71 recommendations made by the Taskforce for Action on Sexual Violence in 2009. New Zealand First MP Winston Peters said the government had known the state of the sector for years and called the funding "an election year bribe."

Bennett says the funding boost complements other work the government is undertaking in the area, including the development of a national prevention package.

The funding comes as ACC also announces it will fully fund access to counselling for victims of sexual violence.