Q: What are Ministry of Justice Safety Programmes?
These is free help for people who have experienced domestic violence
You’re able to get free and confidential safety services if:
you’re a victim of a charge related to domestic violence in a criminal court
you’ve applied for a Protection Order through the Family Court and are waiting for a decision.
Services are designed to help you deal with the effects of the violence, feel more confident and move forward with your life. We will explain how to keep safe and provide practical information about how Protection Orders work.
There are services for adults and are available by phone or face-to-face.
There are also courses for children to help them cope with the effects violence has had on them and their family.
These programmes are for children who are named on protection orders, or for the children of the protected person who live with them.
For more information: https://www.justice.govt.nz/family/domestic-violence/safety-help-and-non-violence-courses/
Q: How Much Will it Cost?
ACC Sensitive Claim counselling & Ministry of Justice Safety programmes are free. There is also no cost for our Outreach service.
We are only partially funded, so If you are not eligible for ACC or Ministry of Justice programmes, then we do ask for a donation towards your counselling. This can be negotiated depending on your circumstances. Your ability to pay will not inhibit your entry to service.
Q: What is ACC Sensitive Claims?
ACC Sensitive Claims is ACC funded support following sexual abuse or assault.
You can have one-to-one sessions with an ACC approved therapist.
The number of sessions you receive depends on your needs. If you like, your family and whanau can also access some sessions.
For more information: https://findsupport.co.nz/
Q: Is it confidential?
You confidentiality is very important to us we will respect your privacy, unless your or another’s safety safety is at risk.
Q: What happens when I decide to go to counselling?
We will ask you to complete a detailed referral form, which can be done either of the phone or in person at our office.
You will be put on a waiting list, when a therapist becomes available they will be assigned to you and will make contact with you to set up a day and time to begin counselling.
There will be an initial assessment, if it is a child that is receiving counselling we talk to parents and the child together to learn the background to the family and the issues that are being faced, and to flag up any areas of concern. We then agree a time and place to meet with the child every week.
