Sexual violence services get a much needed boost

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.

Action

Tell us your stories about our special places

Share with us your stories about the places threatened by being fast tracked for mining permits.

Action

RENAME, REWRITE, and REJECT the Regulatory Standards Bill

Submit your suggested changes to the Regulatory Standards Bill! Tell us how you'd change the bill and we could take it to the House!

Action

Anniversary of the Cannabis Legalisation and Control Bill Referendum

If we were to legally regulate cannabis in Aotearoa, what kind of rules would you want to see around access, possession, use, regulations on sale, ...

Action

Save our Polytechs: Campaign Packs

Want to see more supports for our Polytechs? Use these resources to support the campaign!

Action

Save Our Polytechs Petition

Sign our petition today and join us in calling on the Minister for Vocational Education, Hon Penny Simmonds, to Save our Polytechs!

Action

Protect our tamariki - Sign the open letter

Every child in Aotearoa deserves to grow up with safety and stability, wrapped in aroha. Sign our open letter today and help make that a reality!

Action

Stop Growing Homelessness

Sign our petition asking Luxon and Bishop to take action to stop homelessness increasing in Aotearoa.

Action

Local Events

We have activists across Aotearoa / New Zealand who are working hard to build a brighter future for our kids and grandkids. This page lists upcomin...

Latest Social Development Announcements

Story

Another blow to young people as unemployment reaches near nine-year high

Unemployment has surged to its highest level in close to nine years, with young people bearing the brunt of the crisis.

Govt for the rich failing unemployed New Zealanders

Today’s Ministry of Social Development stats, which show record numbers of New Zealanders relying on benefits, are further proof that the Governmen...

New high in unemployment as Govt punishes the jobless

Latest stats indicating the worst unemployment numbers since the outbreak of the pandemic are further proof that the Government’s policies are forc...

Benefit sanctions double under National as unemployment soars

Latest figures from the Ministry of Social Development show the Government is pushing more and more people into unemployment, while punishing them ...

‘Growth Budget’ = growth in poverty

The Government’s Budget is failing families in poverty by pulling the rug on young people receiving income support and allowing more children to go...

Social Security Amendment Bill pushes poverty on people

The Government’s just-passed Social Security Amendment Bill is set to create more benefit sanctions that will push families deeper into poverty.