Understanding grooming is critical to stopping sexual abuse before it starts. Kathryn outlines how it happens, what you might see, and how you can disrupt it. Any talk of sexual abuse can be distressing, so if you need support, phone us on 0800 6231700 24/7

Click here to watch the video

​If you are interested.........................why do so many survivors blame themselves following sexual abuse or assault. Katherine McPhillips, Executive Director and Clinical Psychologist, gives another excellent talk on why people should not buy into victim blaming, why childhood abuse makes people more prone to self blame, why survivors often get confused or feel shame. Only YES means YES and only adults can give consent. Click here to view the video. 
#Yesmeansyes #notovictimblaming #sexualabusesurvivors

​If you're interested............................
Kathryn McPhillips, Executive Director and Clinical Psychologist, talks about a common question asked by people and the survivor "Why didn't she fight back?'. There are many factors that contribute here. Kathryn gives a very insightful response. Well worth listening to. #sexualabuse #sexualassault #survivorblaming
More questions for Kathryn email supporthelp@helpauckland.org.nz

Kathryn McPhillips, Clinical Psychologist and Executive Director of HELP Auckland, answers your questions. Today's question is "Why does it cut so deep?". As this is complex and different for each person we have given contact details and links to two poems which may help.
Send your questions to k.mcphillips@helpauckland.org.nz
If you need to talk to someone, phone 0800 623 1700, 24/7.
Poetry
https://peonymoon.wordpress.com/tag/marge-piercy-rape-poem/
​https://www.dearem.nz/empathise-archive/2020/ji6hj81jl5qi2thf0rz6vb11ftxdpf?fbclid=IwAR1ouy2ZFM9pWE_dy_lewYCp5Z-uvgFCBryof5_5KDcd9h9weaGCFcfg1V8

"If you are Interested" starting on Wednesday 8th April Kathryn McPhillips, Help Auckland's Executive Director and Clinical Psychologist, will be answering any questions that you may have about our services or just general advice on sexual abuse and sexual assault.
It is helpful for survivors and to end sexual violence, if people know more about it. But not everyone wants to know right now, so, just if you’re interested, we are going to be answering some common questions, and letting you know some things that survivors want you to know.
Recovery from the impacts of sexual violence are harmed or helped by the actions and attitudes of the people around you. So even if its happened, you can still make a difference.
#justask #questionsanswered #ifyouareinterested #advice #sexualabuseawareness
Please send us your questions to supporthelp@helpauckland.org.nz before Midnight each Monday.

Last updated 27th March 2020
The health of our HELP Auckland Clients, Staff, Contractors, Volunteers and their extended families and the community are our focus at present with the current COVID-19 Level 4 situation.
We place immense value on the trust the community gives us to not only support of women and children who are at risk or survivors of sexual abuse, but also to support the wider community who are at greater risk of sexual abuse during lockdown.
In light of the recent COVID-19 Level 4 lockdown, we have closed our offices however we continue to provide our Crisis phone line 0800 623 1700 24 hours a day. All current clients are being contacted by their therapist and provided with phone consultations. Online consultations are to be implemented. We are still accepting referrals for new clients.
To help keep you informed of how we are responding to COVID-19, we have implemented a communication strategy providing support on how to keep safe and well. This is being done through email direct mail; social media through @HelpAuckland and @DearEm; and through our blog on www.helpauckland.org.nz. You can also subscribe to our EDM through our website.
HELP Auckland’s team is meeting frequently to ensure our policies, procedures and communications are delivering the very best information on any emerging health advice and action required. 
Kathryn McPhillips
Executive Director