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ACC - Source: ONE News -
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ACC Minister Nick Smith has announced a review of the new guidelines used by the sensitive claims unit that deals with sexual abuse and rape victims.
Use of the new guidelines began on Tuesday. They are evidence-based clinical guidelines developed by Massey University.
Smith says he has confidence in the clinical decisions made by ACC and was reluctant to interfere in sensitive claims.
"I have requested ACC to do an independent clinical review of
their management of the sensitive claims, the new process. The
board and ACC have agreed to do that," he said.
The changes were aimed at providing sexual assault and abuse
victims with "a more timely and successful recovery".
It was important for the community to have full confidence in the services provided by ACC, Smith says.
The review will take six months.
Around 50 people took part in the latest protest on the issue outside Parliament on Tuesday.
Among them was Ann Nation, a registered psychotherapist and counsellor with 30 years experience, who said victims would now have to receive a DSMIV diagnosis - under an American system.
The diagnosis would affect victims' travel plans, mortgage applications and job interviews for the rest of their lives, Nation says.
Those who suffered sexual abuse were the victims of crime, similar to those involved in a car accident or burglary, she says.
Victims may have to tell their story several times to different people before being accepted for or denied ACC-funded counselling.
If they were accepted they would be appointed to a counsellor, rather than being able to choose one they were comfortable with, Nation says.
Another issue was the lack of people qualified to diagnose DSMIV, she says.
Nation is not qualified and on Tuesday morning asked ACC to whom she should refer new patients. It could not tell her, she said.
Sonya O'Callaghan, a counsellor, says it is "awful" for the victims to have to keep telling their story.
"That's the plan," she said - to make people go through so much they will not ask for counselling.
Sexual abuse was a "complex life event" but did not mean people had to have a mental disease, she says.
Registered psychotherapist and counsellor Eric Medcalf also believed the change was meant to reduce the number of claims because ACC's sensitive claims unit was overwhelmed and needed a break to sort things out.
Smith says there was "professional tension" between psychiatrists and psychologists and psychotherapists and counsellors.
"I am not qualified in any of those areas...I accept there is unease amongst respected professionals in some of those areas and that's why today I'm announcing that there will be a six-month review of this new process to make sure that it is working."
Labour MP Lynne Pillay said cut in counselling support victimised people who have already suffered and were "unfair, short-sighted and simply unacceptable".
"The cuts come into force this week and will result in significant reductions in the support available to victims needing counselling."
She wants use of new guidelines to be postponed until the review is completed.
How do you feel about ACC's criteria changes for counselling for sexual abuse victims? Share your opinion on our message board below:
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Add a Comment:
Post new commentNoddy samurai said on 2009-10-27 @ 18:51 NZDT: Report abusive post
What ever!! .. A.C.C needs to know they're been taken for a ride what else can they do and HEY !! I'm on A.C.C. National is trying to make things work for the whole country by making cuts every where, Labour got us here in the first place
kaz196884 said on 2009-10-19 @ 23:04 NZDT: Report abusive post
As a sexual abuse survivor I still need counselling as I'm sure alot of other victims of sexual abuse need their counelling. to me it seems that ACC is just worring about saving money and not caring about the vicims. They are making it so hard for these delicate souls to get help so that they can somehow get through life. Come on ACC look somewhere else for the money saving and leave our sexual abuse survivor's and counselling alone.
babbles said on 2009-10-19 @ 21:06 NZDT: Report abusive post
I am absolutely appalled to think that these victims, are yet again going to be victims. Remember - they had NO choice, and after all, ACC is SUPPOSED to be the insurance for New Zealanders. Stop paying money to the criminals, stop paying ACC to the drunken drivers who have accidents and get the upper management to take pay decreases, which is just what is being suggested for the poor VICTIMS yet again who are on ACC and being threatened to cut it back to 60%. Remember the VICTIMS !!!!!
anonymous1 said on 2009-10-19 @ 17:53 NZDT: Report abusive post
As a male survivor of childhood rape & sexual torture, ACC-funded counselling has enabled me to go from being completely & utterly unable to function, to being able to participate constructively in society and hold a full-time job.I now pay $30k+ pa tax - substantially more than the total cost of my counselling & am more than happy to, in the hope that at least some of that money will go toward enabling others to become survivors instead of "victims".These "changes" are short-sighted & cruel!