Changes to better protect the victims of sexual violence, as their cases go through the courts, were unveiled by the government this week because research has consistently shown that giving evidence was the hardest part of the justice process for sexual violence victims.
On Tuesday's program we spoke to Kathryn McPhillips from Auckland's sexual abuse support service HELP.
We hear from a victim of rape, who has permanent name suppression, who has contacted Lately after hearing last night's conversation with defence lawyer Adam Couchman who challenged Kathryn McPhillips' description of the experience of many victims and complainants of sexual violence.
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National helplines
Need to talk? Free call or text 1737 any time for support from a trained counsellor; HELPline is 09 623 1700 FOR 24 hour confidential phone line; Womens Refuge - tel 0800 REFUGE which is 0800 733 843; Lifeline - 0800 543 354 (0800 LIFELINE) or free text 4357 (HELP); Suicide Crisis Helpline - 0508 828 865 (0508 TAUTOKO); Healthline - 0800 611 116; Samaritans - 0800 726 666; Youthline - 0800 376 633 or free text 234
