Media statement
For immediate release
Friday, 29 June 2007

Govt ensures 850 sex abuse victims left in the cold

It is a bitter shame that the only agency that is solely dedicated to helping male victims of sexual abuse is struggling to keep its doors open due to lack of funding, said United Future social services spokesperson Judy Turner today.

“The Male Survivors of Sexual Abuse Trust were preparing to close today because of a lack of funding. They have been given a stay of execution by an emergency community grant, but it is a disgrace that this service is placed under undue stress to simply continue with the good work and much needed assistance that it provides.”

The trust is based in Christchurch and helps 850 clients a year - many of its clients were students at the former St John of God School.

Manager Ken Clearwater stresses that “with this big case coming up where two Brothers have been extradited from Australia to face sexual abuse allegations, these victims/survivors will need our support. I believe it would be tragic if we are not there for them and the other men we work with.”

“It is just saddening that the Government will not provide adequate funding, leaving them to fend on their own,” says Mrs Turner.

“Where abuse happened at an institutional level there is an even greater need for the State and community to support the survivors through counselling and support organisations like this.

The Male Survivors of Sexual Abuse Trust believes they are not receiving funding because the abuse happened to boys.

“No-one wants to look at this. The Government is failing to provide necessary support for male victims of sexual abuse - it is simply not fair. The Government should cough up the measly $120k needed to keep the Trust going every year so that the 850 men can get the support they deserve,” says Mrs Turner.

ENDS

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