Young Women Called To Be A Force For Change By New Platform

Young Women Called To ‘Be A Force For Change’ By Meaningful New Platform

Em tackles sexual harm issue by empowering young women: dearem.co.nz

o Alarming stats show one in three Kiwi girls under 16 may be sexually abused; 90% of abusers are known ; only 10% of incidents reported

o Website co-designed by young women to ensure relevance and connection

o Em helps women look after themselves and support others around them

A unique website designed to embrace, empower and provide empathy for young women in the face of prevalent sexual harm statistics has launched today – www.dearem.co.nz.

Featuring content to address the spectrum of sexual harm (from unwanted attention to serious sexual abuse) ’Em’ was co-designed with a group of young women from all walks of life and offers free information, resources, strategies, tips and links to professional services.

The online concept is the brainchild of HELP, a support organisation for sexual abuse survivors, and social change agency Curative, with a key focus around helping recognise sexual harm and act on it appropriately - teaching what to look for, say, do and where to go for more help.

How big is this problem?

o One in three Kiwi girls may be sexually abused before they turn 16 years old

o 16-24 year olds are four times more likely than any other age group in New Zealand to be sexually abused

o 90% of this abuse is done by someone known to the victim

o Around 10 in 100 sexual abuse crimes are reported, only 3 make it to court with one likely to get a conviction

o Research shows women who seek counselling are better equipped and resourced to heal from their experiences and are less likely to suffer from more acute physical and mental health problems.

Eddy Royal from Curative said that the co-design process uncovered that there is limited understanding among young women about sexual harm, how to recognise it, and what to do if it occurs to themselves or someone they know.

“Em is a safe and trusted environment where young women can learn, grow and feel inspired, building a trusted relationship where they know where to seek information or help when needed,” said Ms Royal.

“Creating a space that speaks specifically to young women in order to recognise the reality of what they face without any dilution of this message is absolutely critical for girls.”

Beyond advice specifically created to address sexual harm topics, Em provides individuals, their support networks and communities with helpful, practical and empowering information and strategies they can mix and match. For example:

o Ways to look after the heart and mind, including: Dealing with emotions, mindfulness, goal setting and coping with flashbacks

o Ways to look after the soul, including: Calming techniques, building relationships, gratitude and meditation

o Ways to look after the body, including: Exercise ideas, healthy eating and better sleep

HELP’s Lucy Scott suggests that all young women need to feel more empowered and supported to create a culture of empathy, protection and ultimately healthier understandings of what is and isn’t okay.

“The statistics are not okay. Change needs to be made now and Em is at the forefront of that change. Educating and creating conversation at a wider scope, beyond those who have personally experienced abuse is so important as it will generate greater understanding, more support and far less judgement. Our young women can and will be the force for change.”

Senior clinical psychologist and women’s mental health specialist Dr Prue Fisher said young people who experience a tough time but seek out support are more likely to feel supported and able to move through their experience.

www.dearem.co.nz

ENDS

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