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MSD’s work to address sexual violence
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MSD’s role in eliminating family and sexual violence
MSD is part of a collective approach across government agencies and alongside communities to eliminate family and sexual violence in New Zealand.
As part of this, we recognise that the way we fund and engage with community and non-government providers of support and services to address family and sexual violence (FV/SV) has a significant impact on progress toward this goal.
MSD funds a range of specialist sexual violence services to better support victims/survivors and prevent sexual violence.
Specialist sexual violence services
Sexual harm crisis support services (SHCSS)
Crisis support services are specialist sexual harm crisis interventions that operate from an indigenous worldview, are culturally effective and are informed by good practice.
Services include:
- advocacy and support
- emergency face-to-face sessions (including crisis counselling)
- crisis social work support.
Court support services
Court support services focus on the victim’s/survivor’s mental, spiritual, and physical support needs while they are going through the criminal justice process. The service is provided once a charge is filed and covers support before, during and after the court process.
Services for male survivors of sexual abuse (MSSA)
Support services for male survivors of sexual abuse are a specialist service aimed at enabling the long-term recovery and wellbeing of male survivors of sexual abuse through peer support.
This is done through the provision of:
- case planning and information to male survivors of sexual abuse and their families/whānau/support network
- peer support services for adult male survivors of sexual abuse.
Harmful sexual behaviour services
Harmful sexual behaviour services focus on interventions to influence behaviour change. The services are part of a broader suite of sexual violence support services that aim to support adult victims/survivors, address perpetrators’ harmful behaviour, and reduce violent crime.
Concerning sexual ideation
Concerning sexual ideation is an emerging space that looks at ways to support people who experience concerning or harmful sexual thoughts but have not yet acted on them. This includes funding for support services and ongoing research.
Safe to talk - Kōrero mai ka ora, our national sexual harm helpline
Safe to talk – Kōrero mai ka ora, is a national sexual harm helpline, that provides 24/7 nationwide access to free confidential information and support to people affected by sexual harm in any way.
Sexual violence prevention for families and whānau
MSD is investing in early prevention approaches that strengthen parents and caregivers’ ability to keep tamariki safe from sexual violence. This initiative focuses on building practical skills, knowledge, and confidence so that the adults closest to children can recognise risks early and take action.
Research and evaluation into sexual violence and sexual violence services
We also undertake a wide range of research and evaluation projects to inform our work to develop and support the specialist sexual violence services funded by MSD. This includes looking into existing services and exploring new spaces.