Support / Consent + Sexual Violence

Any sexual act done without consent is an act of sexual harassment. This is a crime

In any form of sexual contact, consent should be enthusiastic, with both partners giving permission for specific sexual activity that is expressed through positive and voluntary words or actions.

 

Communication and respect

Consent:

  • Is ongoing and must be given every time. It is specific to context and time. Just because someone has consented to one sexual activity does not mean they are willing to go further or that they will consent to the same act at another time.

  • Can be withdrawn at any time—this means stop.

  • Cannot be given by someone who is unable to understand the facts or nature of the sexual acts occurring, even if they are asked. This could include someone who is under the legal age of consent, unconscious, sleeping, affected by drugs or alcohol, or who has a disability or illness which impairs them to the extent they are unable to consent.

  • Cannot be assumed. Silence, or the absence of “no”, does not mean “yes”—nor does a previous romantic or sexual relationship with that person.

  • Cannot be obtained by threat or given under pressure (this can include psychological and emotional manipulation, or situations where there is a power imbalance).

If you are not sure if someone is consenting, or if you are not sure about their ability to consent, stop. You do not have consent. This is sexual violence. Silence, or the absence of “no”, does not mean “yes”.

Sexual Harassment Support from the University

We understand it takes a lot of courage to come forward about sexual harassment and we welcome the inclusion of any support people.

For support and advice from the University, you can contact:

If there’s a staff member you trust, they will be able to help you access the appropriate care and support.

Wellington Sexual Abuse HELP – 24/7

Wellington Sexual Abuse HELP operates a 24 hour crisis support line and has on-site support workers. If you find yourself needing to talk to someone, they’re there to listen and help, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. HELP can also arrange doctor or counselling appointments if needed.

Wellington Sexual Abuse HELP, Level 7, 178 Willis Street, Wellington
Phone +64-4-499 7532

 

ACC Find Support

ACC’s Find Support programme helps you access ACC-funded support following sexual abuse or assault, in your time, on your terms. Alternatively survivors of sexual violence may make direct contact with ACC’s Sensitive Claims Unit. Download their Client Centred Support brochure for more information.

Male Survivors of Sexual Assault Trust

The Wellington branch of the Male Survivors of Sexual Assault Trust provides one to one, peer and group support for male survivors and their significant others. Download the Male Survivors of Sexual Assault Trust (MOSAIC) brochure or go to their Facebook page to find out more information.

Tū Pakari Ora – Wellington Sexual Assault Assessment & Treatment Service

Tū Pakari Ora offers a safe environment and sensitive medical and forensic care for people ages 14 and over who have been sexually assaulted or abused.

Call them between 8am and 5pm, or download the Tū Pakari Ora brochure for more information about the services they provide. To contact this service out of hours, call the HELP crisis line below—they can put you in touch with the clinic.

Cuba Street Clinic, 275 Cuba Street, Wellington            Phone +64-4-805 0522

 

Student Health and counselling support on campus

Student Health and Counselling provide health care and counselling support for students who are survivors of sexual violence. The clinic is based on campus. Call (04) 979 3030 to make an appointment.

Advice from the Police

Not everyone will feel comfortable involving the Police in reporting sexual violence and that is your choice.  Regardless of whether or not you want to formally involve the Police, they are there to provide support and information. You can download the Police brochure to read their advice for victims of sexual assault. To contact them dial 111 in an emergency, or contact the Wellington Central Police station.

Phone +64-4-381 2000