Launch of national 'sexual harm' helpline pushed out until 2018

The Ministry of Social Development (MSD) has announced that the launch of the national sexual harm helpline, "Safe to Talk," will be pushed out until 2018 to allow for piloting. 

The helpline was originally scheduled to launch on 1 December 2017. The latest update from MSD has announced a revised timeline including an initial pilot in Canterbury. This is to provide an "opportunity to test the new helpline and work with providers and users of sexual harm services to strengthen the referral pathways for people."

The helpline is now scheduled to go live for the Canterbury region only on 19 February 2018. It is then planned that the helpline will launch nation-wide on 16 April 2018. 

The previous MSD update noted that Homecare Medical, who will run the helpline, have invited providers to visit their Auckland, Wellington or Christchurch centres to learn more about the organisation and their work.

Read the 15 November 2017 full update on the MSD website. You can also read all past updates and sign-up to receive future updates.

Media

Helpline closes when Thames woman needed it most, Stuff, 12.12.2017