Specialist support following recent or historic sexual harm. Services may include:
- Crisis intervention and emotional support
- Wellbeing planning
- Support for whānau
- Advocacy and referrals
- Assistance navigating systems and services
- Practical support to reduce barriers to healing
Our Recovery Pathways approach moves beyond traditional counselling models to provide a wide range of therapeutic, practical, emotional, cultural, and wellbeing supports tailored to individual needs and stages of recovery.
All referrals are carefully assessed by our specialist team to identify the most appropriate pathway of support.
Available services:
Specialist Youth Work Services
Youth support is designed to engage and empower rangatahi through connection, mentoring, advocacy, emotional support, and practical guidance.
Diversional Therapy & Holistic Wellbeing Mentoring
Our Diversional Therapy supports survivors to reconnect with themselves, others, and have a sense of joy and wellbeing.
Somatic Body & Nervous System Regulation Services
Our somatic-based therapy focuses on restoring safety, awareness, and connection through approaches that support nervous system regulation.
Child & Family Recovery Support
We provide specialised support for tamariki and whānau impacted by sexual harm.
Navigation & Advocacy Services
We help survivors and whānau navigate complex systems and processes by providing:
- Advocacy
- Referrals
- Support with housing, finance, and practical needs
- Assistance engaging with external agencies and services
- Guidance through medical, legal, and social systems
Medical Care & Forensic Support
Surviving a recent sexual assault may require medical care.
We work alongside specialist medical services to support survivors through:
- Forensic medical processes
- Therapeutic medical care
- Referrals for ongoing support
- Information and guidance following recent sexual assault
Reporting the sexual assault
Reporting a sexual assault is a difficult and personal decision. It can often seem like a daunting step to take. If you are uncertain whether or not you want to report, Southland Help can provide information when considering options. Contact with Southland Help does not obligate you to pursue any legal action, unless the survivor is a child or young person under the age of 17 years.
We can organise a meeting with specially trained police detectives who can provide information to help you decide to make a statement. We are also able to provide support while making a statement, and can provide active liaison with police following the statement.
Court Support
Our specialist court support service provides tailored one-on-one assistance throughout the legal process, including:
- Education around court procedures
- Emotional support and preparation
- Accompaniment and advocacy
- Ongoing aftercare support