A new booklet launched by the Wairarapa Rape and Sexual Abuse Collective has been years in the making and provides a detailed range of information and resources for anyone needing help.
Representatives from Oranga Tamariki, Changeability, Ngati Kahunguni ki Wairarapa, police, Wairarapa hospital, and the collective gathered in Masterton yesterday to celebrate the launch.
Wairarapa collective coordinator Michelle Ihaka said she is proud of the booklet’s contents, which include definitions of terms and language, nationwide statistics, example scenarios, and how to get help.
“Those who work closely with me know I do not sugarcoat things, and hence why we kept the name ‘rape and sexual abuse’ as the title,” Ihaka said.
“The creation of this booklet was to bring around conversations with anybody who picks it up – they can have some questions answered and myths debunked.”
Reflecting on working at the Wairarapa collective for the past 10 years, Ihaka said she estimates that she sees up to 120 people needing their services per year.
She noted that it has been a huge collaboration between the six organisations to get to this point, and the booklet will serve as a valuable educational resource.
“People need that education, it’s all about clarity and being taught about the different processes involved, which can include legal advice, help to go through the courts and police systems, and medical information.”
When speaking outside of the region about her work, Ihaka said she gets asked how the relationship between the collective and local police is so effective.
“In Wairarapa, we’re one of the few places where there is an active working relationship with police,” Ihaka said.
“It’s come from years of trust and a solid working relationship. We respect each other’s work.”
Detective Seargent Matt Wasson, supervisor of the adult sexual abuse team at Wairarapa police, agreed that this working relationship offers significant support to those who need it.
“There’s a really good foundation built by people over the years – we’ve known each other a long time, and our relationship is strong,” Wasson said.
“When someone comes to us, having Michelle’s team involved with taking them to medical appointments, counselling, help with housing and legal advice all helps to do the best by the community.”
Due to the sensitive nature of rape and sexual abuse support, Wasson said a strong relationship between all support services means they can provide the best assistance to those in the region who need it.
“It’s all about the relationships and knowing the people. You have to be able to trust each other to collaborate like this,” Wasson said.
“Sexual violence has a massive impact, it’s at a time when people are at their lowest, so it all goes into supporting them through navigating that process.”
To help information reach those who need it, Ihaka said she wants to see the booklet distributed “anywhere that will take it”, including hospitals, schools, medical offices, libraries and police stations.
