Day Of Action Against Acc Cuts
Monday, 19 October 2009
Press Release: Young Labour

Today Young Labour will attend marches around the country to oppose changes to the ACC sensitive claims criteria that will allow only those diagnosed as having a mental disorder access to ACC funded sexual abuse counseling, says Young Labour President Patrick Leyland

“ACC exists to help survivors, not to marginalise or traumatise them further. Denying survivors of sexual abuse the help they need because they refuse to be labeled as mentally ill is a disturbing move and we are calling on the Minister for ACC to reconsider this decision,” says Leyland.

“Being diagnosed with a mental illness can have a large impact on the life of a survivor, as many situations, such as job interviews, can often require the disclosure of such information.

“For many people counseling provides a critical lifeline in overcoming horrific sexual abuses and it is necessary for ACC to help these individuals. However, it appears that there is no commitment to helping abuse survivors and instead these changes make it more difficult for them to receive this much needed assistance,“ added Leyland

“Young Labour wants to see a society that opposes the culture of silence around sexual abuse, and gives survivors the opportunity to be heard. These changes will make it harder for survivors to take the brave step to speak up.

“Since the announcement of these changes, over 4000 people have signed an online petition calling for a stop to the proposed changes to sexual abuse counseling. In addition, many will march around the country today calling on the Government to reverse these changes, “ Leyland concluded.

Marchers will gather on Monday 19 October at the Albert Park Band Rotunda in Auckland at 12 noon; at the Cenotaph in Wellington at 12.30pm; at the Speakers’ Corner, Cathedral Square in Christchurch at 12.30pm; and at the ACC offices on the corner of Maclaggan and Clark Streets in Dunedin at 3pm.

ENDS

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