HELP for preschools
Supporting families and early education centres to keep children safe is vital to reduce prevalence of sexual abuse in our society – for today’s children and for future generations too.
HELP runs age-appropriate, accessible prevention services such as We Can Keep Safe for preschools, families and children. We also provide free, helpful resources to help parents, caregivers and teachers provide a safe environment understand what is normal sexual behaviour in children.
HELP for children & families
Rates of sexual abuse in New Zealand are still very high. Research found that more than 1 in 4 girls and 1 in 9 boys had been sexually abused before they turned 15 years old. Most of this abuse (90%) will be done by someone they know.
If your child has been sexually abused, the most important thing to do first is to make sure that your child knows that you love them, and that you will get them safe. And then keep them safe. It can also help to have someone understanding and supportive to talk to if you and your child are feeling distressed. You can call us on our 24/7 HELPLINE anytime 0800 623 1700.
HELP for young people, friends & families
Are you a teenager who has experienced sexual abuse? You’re not alone – one in 4 young women experience sexual abuse, and many young men and non-binary people do too. We know it’s not easy to talk about it, but we’re here for you, and you can contact us right now on 0800 623 1700.
It can be hard to know if what has happened to you is a crime, especially if someone told you that it was okay, or that you “wanted it”. They may have pressured you into doing something you didn’t really want to, or told you that it’s your fault.
HELP for adults & their families
If you’re an adult who has been sexually assaulted or you know someone who has been sexually abused, you’re in the right place.
If you’ve recently been sexually assaulted, the first thing to focus on is your own safety, both physically and emotionally. Get away from the person who hurt you to a safe place and tell someone if you haven’t already – you can call our 24/7 HELPline anytime on 0800 623 1700. You don’t have to cope on your own – our therapy services can help you heal from the trauma of your experience, and you can read our helpful resources here.
HELP for professionals
We support and consult to healthcare professionals and other organisations that may be working with clients who have experienced sexual abuse. For example, HELP runs training sessions for professionals and other organisations on how to support survivors. We can also provide immediate consultation or refer you to an appropriate supervisor if the need is on-going.
To learn more about what young people need to address sexual violence, see Breaking the Silence, a collaborative project between HELP and Tu Wahine Trust. Or see our other resources for professionals here.
HELP for the Pasifika community
The way that sexual abuse is experienced, and the tools that survivors need to heal can be different for different cultures. HELP has a team from different islands of the Pacific who bring their culture with them to inform the ways that we respond to our Pasifika clients and their aiga/ kāinga.
Learn more about how our free and confidential services can help you or someone in your aiga to heal from recent or past sexual abuse.
HELP for Kaupapa Māori
We respect the role that culture plays in the nature of our wounds and the ways we need to heal. That’s why we work in partnership with Auckland’s Tu Wahine Trust and Korowai Tumanako who provide Kaupapa Māori counselling, therapy and support for those impacted by sexual violence (mahi tukino).
Stories from Survivors
“Remember, you are not what happened to you, you are more than a survivor, things will get better.”
Read Laura’s* story“Not talking about it was just protecting him, it wasn’t helping me.”
Read Becca’s* story
“It will always be a part of me but I’m stronger now and I want to give back and encourage others facing similar situations.”
Read Sophie Ann’s* story
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