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For professionals

If a client seems to present signs of sexual harm or has talked to you about sexual harm, here is information about how to recognise it and how to refer them to the right people for support.

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Refer a client

We require all counsellors, social workers, GPs, teachers, and other professionals, to complete a referral form on behalf of their client. Please, find the appropriate form to complete below. If you’re unsure which form you need to fill out, or if you have questions, please email support@wellingtonhelp.org.nz. We will respond as soon as we can, within normal business hours.

My client is under 18

Referral form - under 18

My client is an adult

Referral form - adult

Referrals from Police

Police referral form

How to recognise sexual harm

Sexual harm happens when sexual activity occurs without consent. It can occur to anyone of any age, gender, and sexuality.

Some examples of sexual harm include:
  • Unwanted touching
  • Vaginal, anal, or oral penetration
  • Being made to penetrate someone or something
  • Being made to watch or make pornography
  • Being made to do something sexual, such as masturbate
  • Image based sexual harm/'revenge pornography' e.g sending a nude photo to someone else without the consent of the person in the photo. This can include images, videos or voice recordings.

Let's talk about consent

Consent is imperative for any kind of sexual activity.


Someone cannot give consent if:
  • They are under 16
  • They are too drunk
  • They are too high
  • There is any use of force, pressure, coercion, or deception
  • They are asleep or unconscious
  • They are affected by an intellectual, mental or physical condition or impairment that means they are unable to communicate their consent or refuse consent
  • They are mistaken about what kind of sexual activity is happening
Consent is:
  • Active, enthusiastic, and freely given
  • Free to be withdrawn at any time
  • Necessary for every sexual activity

 

Signs of sexual harm in children

Here are a few signs that can indicate it:
  • Age-inappropriate sexual play or language
  • Sophisticated or unusual sexual knowledge
  • Refuses to go home or is afraid to go home
  • Is afraid of a particular person
  • Self-destructive, self-harming, or compulsive behaviours
  • Unusual itching or pain
  • Bruises or bleeding 

 

Developmentally age-appropriate sexualised behaviour:

Sometimes, children’s and adolescent behaviour can seem alarming or unusual, but it’s important to know that it’s often developmentally normal. There are a few key factors that can help you determine whether a child’s behaviour is problematic or not.

These include:
  • If the behaviour occurs among friends of the same age, it’s less likely to be a problem than if it is with people of other ages who are not friends
  • If it involves sexual knowledge more normally attributed to adults, this could be cause for concern
  • If a behaviour occurs frequently, despite requests to stop or is intrusive to others and makes others uncomfortable, this is a cause for concern
  • Feelings of fear, anxiety, guilt or anger leading to use of coercion or force

Our services

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If they need immediate HELP, call our 24/7 line or if they're in danger, call 111.

It is important to us that anyone affected by sexual violence receives the HELP they deserve. That’s why we offer a range of services, depending on what your patient needs. Of course, they can access all of them – or just one. We’re here for them, no matter what kind of support they’re looking for.

We provide non-stop support services to survivors of sexual violence through HELP's support line. This line is open to anyone needing help about recent AND past sexual harm.

You can contact us at any time on 0800 FOR HELP (0800 367 4357) and press 0 at the menu.

To contact reception, call us on 04 801 6655 between 9:00am and 4:00pm, and press 1 at the menu.

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