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Family Action provides counselling for those affected by family and sexual violence, abuse, or trauma.
You and your family’s needs are our primary concern.We have an open referrals system.
You are welcome to call our client liaison staff, 09 836 1987 who can discuss your needs with you 0800 326 327.
Our Services
Woman’s Refuge
We offer :
- Counselling
- Expressive therapies
- Family work
- Crisis Support
- Psychology
- Psychotherapy
- Child Therapy
- Art Therapy
- Groups
- ACC sensitive claims counselling (in West Auckland, North Shore, Central Auckland and Waiheke areas)
- Ministry of Justice Safety Programmes
Our Crisis Services
24/7 Crisis Sexual Violence Support Service
Police reporting support
Medical consultation support
Counselling support
Contact our service
Recent or Suspected Sexual Assault
Past Sexual Assault / Abuse
Common Feelings
Coping strategies
Resources
Women in Action
We offer groups for women who wish to move away from the cycle of violence, “Women in Action – Wahine Toa” and groups for youth and children through our ChangeWorks programmes.
We offer a safe, confidential and empowering service. Our professional team are all qualified counsellors, psychotherapists, art therapists and psychologists. We are approved by ACC, Ministry of Justice and Oranga Tamariki. All counselling is free.
Things to know about Counselling:
- You should feel comfortable speaking freely to your counsellor, and that you feel they listen to you and responds to you honestly and respectfully. If you are not comfortable with the person you have been assigned to, please call and talk to the Clinical Manager for Counselling.
- Counselling involves talking about yourself and your experiences. It involves time and commitment, but you will notice the difference it makes in your life.
- Engaging in counselling does not mean that you are required to report what has happened to the Police, tell others, or confront the offender. It’s for your healing and peace of mind, however you decide to handle the process of holding the person who hurt you accountable.
- Talking to a stranger about something so personal can seem daunting, but remember, they are trained professionals.
- Your weekly sessions will be 50 – 60 minutes long.
- Money shouldn’t prevent you from receiving counselling, please talk to the client liaison staff or your counsellor to discuss session costs and options.
- Many women like to read books. Check online at www.womensbookshop.co.nz they have many helpful books and your local library will also have some.
Client Endorsements
“I have come along way. I’ve never ever had so much support in my life. Without this group I would still be in my victim state of mind. Without my counsellors I couldn’t of done it” – Group counselling client
Your questions
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.
Is it confidential?
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/
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.
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/
Related resources
ACC Sensitive Claims
Helping you access ACC funding support following sexual abuse or assault, in your time, on your terms.
Ministry of Justice Programmes
Help for people who have experienced domestic violence, and non-violence courses for people who are named in a Protection Order.