NEW ZEALAND
Stuff
EMILY SPINK
Sexual abuse support agencies in Christchurch have waiting lists up to six months long for victims needing help.
Demand for counselling and education services in the city has surged as well. One agency said it had more than doubled in the last five years as people become more willing to accept support and aware of how to get it.
Services have felt the strain with resource increases not “anywhere near” matching the rising demand. They welcomed a $46 million funding boost for the sexual assault services sector announced by the Government on Wednesday.
A survey of 24 support organisations, conducted by the Green Party and released the same day, found some victims were waiting up to three months for support.
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