More funding for sexual violence services is a much needed boost for a sector that has struggled with underfunding and a lack of commitment from successive governments, the Green Party said today.
The Government’s announcement of funding for sexual violence services follows a Select Committee inquiry initiated by Green MP Jan Logie, which had recommended improving support for the sector.
“More funding for sexual violence services is an important first step that will come as an enormous relief for those who have been battling to provide crucial support with fragmented funding and increases in demand,” Green Party women’s spokesperson Jan Logie said today.
“Seeing my inquiry result in more funding today is an enormous credit to those who’ve fought so hard for the support they need, and to those MPs who put party politics aside to ensure that more support was provided.
“However, reports from frontline services show additional funding will be needed just to keep up with the huge increase in demand.
“People who have been the victims of sexual violence need to know that they can get the help they need to move on with their lives.
“Services that are dealing with historical abuse, the majority of work in the sector, are still suffering from a lack of funding and this was not addressed today.
“Instead of being funded properly, vital services like Rape Crisis and Women’s Refuge have had to cut hours and reduce services as over the years as their funding was cut or not increased to meet demand.
“I want to particularly support existing kaupapa Māori services, who face a lack of support from this Government. These services are needed if we want people to be able to actually heal.
“We look forward to more collaboration, more money, and better services for victim survivors,” Ms Logie said.
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