Praneeta Mahajan
Hamilton, May 9, 2024
In a unified stance against sexual violence, government advocated for heightened awareness and support during Rape Awareness Week, running from May 6, 2024 to May 10, 2024.
There is a need for collective efforts to eradicate sexual violence and provide unwavering support to its survivors. Ministers Karen Chhour and Louise Upston emphasised the gravity of the issue and the imperative for proactive measures to ensure safety and healing for all citizens.
Ms Chhour, spearheading the charge for the Prevention of Family and Sexual Violence, underscored the prevalence of sexual violence, with staggering statistics revealing that one in three women and one in eight men in New Zealand experience such trauma at some point in their lives.
“It is vital that we not only acknowledge the victims but also take decisive actions to combat violence, raise awareness, and offer accessible avenues for support,” Ms Chhour asserted.
Awareness vital for change
Throughout this designated week, the spotlight shines on the deeply personal nature of sexual violence, affecting individuals within our own circles. Ms Chhour affirmed, ” Rape Awareness Week serves as a crucial platform to initiate candid conversations surrounding this sensitive issue.”
Ms Chhour said that survivors refuse to be defined solely by their experiences. Instead, they seek validation, respect, and robust support systems to aid in their journey towards healing. “We must convey our unwavering commitment to victims, to assure them that their voices are heard, and their pain acknowledged.”
Setting ambitious targets
Grounded in a strategic framework outlined in Te Aorerekura, New Zealand’s 25-year National Strategy for preventing family and sexual violence, the government remains steadfast in its pursuit of tangible progress.
By setting ambitious targets to significantly reduce instances of serious offending by 2029, Ms Chhour said that the government’s dedication to enhancing systemic responses and empowering communities in their fight against sexual violence is further highlighted.
Echoing Ms Chhour’s sentiments, Acting Minister for Women, Louise Upston, said the collective responsibility in fortifying safety nets within our societal structures. “We must ensure that our systems are equipped to provide the necessary support, and our communities foster environments of safety and care,” she said.
Engagement with survivors underscored the paramount importance of attentive listening and robust support mechanisms. “Our workforces play a pivotal role in championing safety and extending compassionate care to survivors,” Ms Upston said.
Accessible support system
As the week unfolds, Ms Upston urged individuals to tap into available resources, which offer confidential avenues for seeking assistance through various mediums including phone, text, email, or live chat.
In unity with specialists and community providers, government officials reiterate their collective call to action, encouraging citizens to rally together in support of survivors and fortify the societal resolve to eradicate sexual violence from the fabric of New Zealand’s communities.
For more details please log on to SafetoTalk.nz.
Praneeta Mahajan is an Indian Newslink reporter based in Hamilton.
