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Salient. Newspaper of the Victoria University Students' Association. Vol 42 No. 23. September 17 1979
Rape Crisis Centre
Rape Crisis Centre
"All women secretly want to be raped, she probably asked for it!"
If it wasn't for this attitude which still permeates our present society there wouldn't be a need for the Wellington Rape Crisis Centre, but unfortunately until such time as we succeed in re-educating the general public our need is made clear all too often
The Rape Crisis Centre
Women or children who have been raped or sexually assaulted will find very few sympathetic, understanding people to whom they feel they can turn. Some report their experience to the police but the majority, for a variety of reasons, do not. Some victims find it impossible to tell anyone what has happened and even those who do often meet with anger, suspicion, recriminations and hostility from those closest to them. A victim's life can be totally disrupted by the rape and we are aware that a large number of victims suffer in complete silence.
There is a definite need for victims to be able to talk to someone who understands the nature of rape; who is sympathetic; who may have been raped themselves; especially someone who is not going to censor their emotions or actions.
The Service we Provide
Our concern is with the victim and we are willing to talk to any woman who has been sexually assaulted or raped, about anything. Our Crisis phone number is 898-288 and we are available from 6pm until 7am seven days a week. Our service is confidential and free. We operate through an answering service and when they answer a call they will put you through to the woman on duty who will then talk to you for as long as needed
What we do
We provide emergency and on-going support.
Information about VD, pregnancy tests etc. We will go with you to the hospital, doctor, police or court.
We can explain about police, courts and medical procedures.
We send speakers to community groups to talk about rape.
If you Decide to Report to the Police
| 1. | Report to the Central Police Station, 723-000 |
| 2. | If at all possible tell someone what has happened — a witness to your distress and early complaint will help. |
| 3. | Do not wash, tidy yourself or change clothing; you may destroy valuable medical evidence. |
| 4. | Do not take any alcohol or drugs. |
| 5. | Contact a friend or Rape Crisis Counsellor so that someone can give you support during police and medical procedures. |
| 6. | Take a change of warm clothing with you, the police may keep some of your original clothes for tests and evidence. |
| 7. | Important things to try and straighten out in your own mind are the sequence of events, details and what was said. |
Reactions to Rape
Don't be ashamed of what you are feeling if you are raped. Women have different reactions, some feel fear, some anger, some guilt. Trust your feelings and talk to someone about them. We are here to help. Ring us on 898-288.
Further aims of the Centre are to gather information and statistics with a long term view of reforming the law relating to rape and sexual assault.
The other important aim is to try and inform and educate the public in order to ensure that women are able to rely on the wider community for support, to promote awareness of the attitudes surrounding rape with a view to reducing the incidence of the same.