ACC Counselling for Sexual Abuse Survivors

From 16 August 2010 all people with new ACC sensitive claims, or existing claims still waiting a decision, will be able to access up to 16 hours ACC-funded counselling without requiring a diagnosed mental injury resulting from sexual abuse or assault.

ACC describes these changes as providing extra support while the victim is under going the assessment process. Last October major changes to how ACC deals with sexual abuse claims saw the introduction of the clinical pathways system which required a diagnosed mental injury resulting from sexual abuse or assault in order to qualify for ACC support. The changes saw a sharp drop in the number of claims accepted and ACC acknowledges that exposed gaps in services for available to people who have suffered sexual abuse. Claimants requiring more than 16 sessions will continue to need a diagnosis of mental injury resulting from sexual abuse or assault. Minister Nick Smith says ACC has handled the issue of counselling for sexual abuse victims badly, which prompted him to set up an independent clinical review panel. The panel will present their final report in September this year, however the changes reflect advice from the review in providing an interim solution for sexual abuse victims. ACC will be contacting affected clients and the professional bodies involved in this area to ensure they know how to activate these support sessions.

For further information see:

ACC Media Release - Extra support for sexual abuse survivors http://www.acc.co.nz/news/WPC088037
ACC reinstates help for victims of sex abuse http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10665439ACC
Sex abuse claims 'badly handled' http://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/4016126/ACC-sex-abuse-claims-ba...
ACC's General Manager of claims management Denise Cosgrove on National Radio (duration: 3′28″)
Listen to audio: http://www.radionz.co.nz/audio/national/mnr/2010/08/12/acc_backs_down_on...
Download mp3: http://podcast.radionz.co.nz/mnr/mnr-20100812-0818-ACC_backs_down_on_cha...
Felicity Perry, spokesperson for the Wellington group that formed to challenge ACC's proposed guidelines
- on National Radio (duration: 2′12″)
Listen to audio: http://www.radionz.co.nz/audio/national/mnr/2010/08/12/acc_policy_change...
Download mp3: http://podcast.radionz.co.nz/mnr/mnr-20100812-0639-ACC_policy_change_for...