Review of ACC’s sex abuse, rape claims unit

Backdown over ACC guidelines

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ACC Minister Nick Smith has announced a review of the new guidelines used by the sensitive claims unit that deals with sexual abuse and rape victims.

Use of the new guidelines began today. They are evidence-based clinical guidelines developed by Massey University.

Dr Smith said he had confidence in the clinical decisions made by ACC and was reluctant to interfere in sensitive claims.

"I have requested ACC to do an independent clinical review of their management of the sensitive claims, the new process. The board and ACC have agreed to do that," he said.

The changes were aimed at providing sexual assault and abuse victims with "a more timely and successful recovery".

It was important for the community to have full confidence in the services provided by ACC, Dr Smith said.

The review will take six months.

Today around 50 people took part in the latest protest on the issue outside Parliament.

Among them was Ann Nation, a registered psychotherapist and counsellor with 30 years experience, who said victims would now have to receive a DSMIV diagnosis – under an American system.

The diagnosis would affect victims' travel plans, mortgage applications and job interviews for the rest of their lives, Ms Nation said.

Those who suffered sexual abuse were the victims of crime, similar to those involved in a car accident or burglary, she said.

Victims may have to tell their story several times to different people before being accepted for or denied ACC-funded counselling.

If they were accepted they would be appointed to a counsellor, rather than being able to choose one they were comfortable with, Ms Nation said.

Another issue was the lack of people qualified to diagnose DSMIV, she said.

Ms Nation is not qualified and this morning asked ACC to whom she should refer new patients. It could not tell her, she said.

Sonya O'Callaghan, a counsellor, said it was "awful" for the victims to have to keep telling their story.

"That's the plan," she said – to make people go through so much they will not ask for counselling.

Sexual abuse was a "complex life event" but did not mean people had to have a mental disease, she said.

Registered psychotherapist and counsellor Eric Medcalf also believed the change was meant to reduce the number of claims because ACC's sensitive claims unit was overwhelmed and needed a break to sort things out.

Dr Smith said there was "professional tension" between psychiatrists and psychologists and psychotherapists and counsellors.

"I am not qualified in any of those areas. . .I accept there is unease amongst respected professionals in some of those areas and that's why today I'm announcing that there will be a six-month review of this new process to make sure that it is working."

Labour MP Lynne Pillay said cut in counselling support victimised people who have already suffered and were "unfair, short-sighted and simply unacceptable".

"The cuts come into force this week and will result in significant reductions in the support available to victims needing counselling."

She wants use of new guidelines to be postponed until the review is completed.