FUNDING SEXUAL ABUSE / RAPE COUNSELLING THROUGH ACC

- NEW ZEALAND CITIZENS ONLY

Why ACC?
The New Zealand Accident Compensation Corporation, (ACC), may pay for sexual abuse and rape survivors to receive counselling through a qualified registered Counsellor, Psychologist, Psychotherapist or Psychiatrist.

To have this counselling provided for by ACC the abuse / assault had to have occurred in New Zealand and be classified within the New Zealand Crimes Act. Once the claim is accepted, ACC will pay for both adults and children to receive counselling.

YOU CAN STILL APPLY EVEN IF THE ABUSE HAPPENED A LONG TIME AGO.

Who do I need to See?
You can go directly to an ACC Approved counsellor, or you can choose to see your doctor / GP to fill out the appropriate forms. If you don’t feel comfortable talking with your GP then please feel free to contact us, talk with your family and friends, or speak with ACC Sensitive Claims Unit to see if they can recommend a good counsellor.

The Sexual Abuse Centre – PH: (03) 3653 – 626 or (03) 3647 – 324
ACC Sensitive Claims Unit – PH: 0800 – 735 – 566 or
http://www.acc.govt.nz for a list of their approved counsellors.

Will I need to fill in forms & Who will see these?
Yes, you will need to fill in some forms – these can be done in conjunction with your counsellor or your doctor. You will have to explain that you are applying for sexual abuse / rape counselling – if you find saying this is difficult, then you can refer to the forms as being for a sensitive claim. Your counsellor will work with you to help complete these forms.

These forms are necessary so that ACC can approve your claim and counselling can start as soon as possible.

Only your counsellor and a case manager from ACC who is appointed to look after your file will be able to see this information.

Do I have to Pay?
ACC pay a set amount of fees to approved professionals for providing counselling. However, many professionals charge more than ACC pay. If this is the case you will need to pay the difference – some counsellors will negotiate with you on what this difference might be according to you own personal circumstances.

Some counsellors advertise that they charge nothing over and above the ACC rate so it is wise to look around.