Protest demands change in ‘labels’ for sexual abuse victims

• May 31, 2016

Supporters rallied to change ACC's claims process for victims of sexual abuse in Auckland. Photo: Ella McLean

A survivor of sexual assault spoke out at an Auckland protest urging ACC to change current support system processes yesterday.

Louise Nicholas addressed around 20 members of the public gathered outside an inner-city ACC office asking for victims of sexual abuse not to be labelled as ‘mentally ill’ in order to receive help.

Under current ACC practice, victims of sexual violence who have lodged for a sensitive claim are able to receive up to 16 hours of counselling covered by ACC. However, if the patient requires additional help they must be diagnosed with a psychiatric condition.

Sexual violence survivor and advocate, Mrs Nicholas, described the labelling as “inhumane”.

“We’ve had a crime committed against us, why do we have to have a label of mental illness as well?” said Mrs Nicholas. “Don’t label me as somebody with a mental injury.”

Protest organiser and Green Party MP, Jan Logie, believes the current process is causing harm for survivors.

“A lot of people who need help are not applying for it because they don’t want the diagnosis,” said Mrs Logie. “The people who don’t have a mental illness can’t get further help and those who are diagnosed may feel as though the problem is their own fault.”

Green Party MP Marama Davidson believes it is in everybody’s best interest for sexual violence survivors to get the help they need without stigma.

“I’ve seen the damage and how it can spread among that family and carry on for generations if they don’t get the right help,” said Mrs Davidson.

Mrs Davidson called for ACC minister [Nikki Kaye] to “do away with this need for diagnosis”.

Mrs Nicholas is hopeful the system will change.

“She’s pretty well onto it and really understands. I’m hopeful she will say ‘Yeah you guys are right’,” said Mrs Nicholas.

Providers will be meeting with ACC this week and a petition has been launched on the Green Party’s website to call for the change.

The protest took place outside of the ACC office in Auckland CBD. Video: Ella McLean