Ria Bond MP
Spokesperson for Community
and Voluntary Sector
16 MARCH 2017
PERSONAL DETAILS MUST REMAIN PRIVATE
An exemption today to protect the personal information of sexual violence victims is not enough, says New Zealand First.
The Minister of Social Development Anne Tolley said today sexual violence service providers would not have to provide
the data of clients to the Ministry this year.
“This is a limited back down from her demand that personal details must be shared by non-government organisations with
the Ministry by 1 July 2017 in exchange for funding,” says New Zealand First Spokesperson for the Community and
Voluntary Sector Ria Bond.
“It was good to see an exemption but there should never have been any such requirement.
“People reaching out for help with issues like mental health and domestic violence, are also vulnerable clients whose
details should be private.
“By demanding details the Ministry is discouraging people coming forward and getting the help they need,” Ms Bond said
after taking part in a rally at Parliament organised by Rape Crisis to protest against the demands.
ENDS