Media release from Rape Crisis Auckland

Rape Prevention Education Delighted National Sexual Violence Survivor Advocate Role Continued

Rape Prevention Education’s (RPE), Executive Director, Dr Kim McGregor is delighted that the Minister of Justice, Judith Collins has today agreed to continue and to increase the funding for the work of the national Sexual Violence Survivor Advocate provided by Louise Nicholas through RPE.

The national Sexual Violence Survivor Advocate role established by RPE in 2008, provides information, referrals and often one on one support to around 600 people and their families affected by sexual violence a year. Through RPE Louise also provides training, lectures, and consultancy to a range of social, government and criminal justice services.

Louise has been described by one specialist service provider as “an asset to survivors of sexual violence nationally.”

Kim McGregor says “Because of Louise’s high profile personal experiences and the courage she represents, some people affected by sexual violence feel able to seek help from Louise when they are unable to seek help from anyone else”

Louise is frequently contacted by people who are experiencing gaps in systems and services. Louise says “For many affected by sexual violence, gaps in systems and services can be extremely painful, retraumatising and sometimes life threatening”.

Kim McGregor says “Because Louise is so well networked to specialist services throughout the country, as well as to government agencies with responsibilities for sexual violence, she is able to help people find a way through very complex difficulties that often arise especially due to gaps in services”.

The national Sexual Violence Survivor Advocate role has continued to be in high and growing demand from the day it began. Kim McGregor says “Rape Prevention Education has been proud to have established and developed the role that has provided extra support to thousands of people affected by sexual violence”.

Louise is also a part of the Pae Takawaenga (Executive) for the Tauiwi Caucus of Te Ohaakii A Hine – National Network Ending Sexual Violence Together (TOAH-NNEST )

Louise Nicholas was voted the New Zealand Herald’s “New Zealander of the Year”[1](2007)

Louise Nicholas was voted one of the “Top Ten Greatest Living New Zealanders” (2009)[2]

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[1] du Chateau, C. (2007, December 15). New Zealander of the year: Louise Nicholas. New Zealand Herald. Retrieved from http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10482418

[2] Tapaleao, V., & Armstrong, J. (2009, January 24, 2009). Admired Helen Clark can hold her head high. New Zealand Herald. Retrieved from http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10553333

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