New website 'The Harbour' provides sexual abuse information, resources and support

A new web portal providing information about sexual abuse has been launched. The Harbour provides a single point of entry to access information, resources and support. It is intended for people affected by sexual abuse, their family and friends, people concerned about others' sexually harmful behaviour, and people concerned about their own sexually harmful behaviour.

The Harbour was developed by SAFE, HELP and Rape Prevention Education with support from Child, Youth and Family and Community Services, Ministry of Social Development, and the Lottery Grants Board. It was launched by Minister of Social Development Paula Bennett.

Jacqui Dillon, CEO of the Safe Network, said "many people feel isolated or unsure about what they should do or where they can go in attempting to address this issue when it comes into their own family or community". The Harbour seeks to address this gap by providing access to information and support from a single source, rather than people having to visit multiple different agency sites. The information includes helpline numbers, how to identify or seek help in responding to concerning behaviors, and legal and medical information. Provision of nationwide service details are planned to be incorporated over the coming months.

Media:

New web resource launched in fight against sex abuse, Scoop, 22.10.2013

SAFE sees rise in number of people seeking help, Radio New Zealand, 22.10.2013

Web portal provides sexual abuse support, New Zealand Herald, 22.10.2013

Image:

Computer keyboard, GFlores. Licence: Public Domain.