How we can help
Abuse & Rape Crisis Support - Manawatu (ARCS - Manawatu) provides services to women, children and men who are survivors of sexual abuse and their families. We work across all cultural groups and all age groups.
Our services currently include:
Support for survivors of sexual abuse and their families
The type of support we provide will be determined by the individual client. We are available to talk through the survivor’s experience, what effects the sexual abuse has had and what path they may want to take to work towards resolving the trauma they have experienced. Often family and friends are also affected by the sexual abuse. We are here to support them too and can talk about how they are feeling (e.g. guilt, anger), how they can help the survivor, and the importance of looking after themselves as well. We are able to provide information on legal and medical procedures, as well as other resources available within the community. We believe no-one should feel they need to cope with sexual abuse on their own so we are available to accompanying survivors on medical visits, making a statement to police or court appearances. We also believe it is very important that the survivor remains in control and determines their own path to recovery and healing. We are available to provide support to survivors on that path when and for however long that support is wanted.
Telephone Crisis Support Line
The telephone crisis support line is staffed by trained volunteers between the hours of 8 pm and 8 am, seven days a week. This after-hours service ensures survivors and their families are able to access information and support throughout the week and into the evening – often the time when many people feel most vulnerable and alone.
Counselling
The ARCS-Manawatu counsellor (NZAC registered) provides therapeutic intervention services to children, adolescents and adults who have experienced sexual abuse, working with them as individuals, couples and families.
Referral to other services
ARCS - Manawatu staff are able to provide information on and referral to a range of relevant support services in the Manawatu (e.g. ACC registered counsellors, drug and alcohol services, health facilities etc)
Children’s Program
The VOYAGE (Valuing Ourselves: Youth Activities & Group Education) program is for children who have experienced or witnessed any form of abuse. The program is court-approved and operates one day a week, after school hours, over nine weeks. Caregivers of the children involved in VOYAGE also attend four sessions over the term.
Community Education
The ARCS - Manawatu delivers prevention training programs in schools and to care givers. We are also available to present seminars to those working in the social services sector outlining the issues around sexual abuse and how to respond to survivors.
We also feel it is important to place information in the broader community (such as through the media) that will help the wider population gain a better understanding of sexual abuse.
Lobbying
Where appropriate we will lobby for changes in legislation and policy that will aid in the prevention of sexual abuse or result in better support of the survivors of sexual abuse.
Office Hours
The ARCS - Manawatu Office is open Monday to Friday 9 am – 1 pm
The telephone support crisis line is available Mondays to Sundays, 8 pm to 8 am
Support services may be arranged outside of these hours when possible. Please phone to make an appointment.
Costs
All services, including the VOYAGE program, are provided free of charge
Referrals
Individuals are welcome to contact us directly. Referrals are not required but are welcome.
Services for Offenders
We do not provide services to perpetrators of sexual abuse, rather, we will provide information on other suitable resources in the community for offenders.
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