Evaluation of Budget 2019 investment in sexual violence support services

Sexual violence is a significant and pervasive issue in Aotearoa New Zealand. The impacts of sexual violence are profound, complex, and long-lasting for those affected.

In 2019, the New Zealand Government allocated $90.3 million to MSD. This funding was to provide sustainable funding to existing SV services, develop new services, build the capability of specialist sexual violence services and create a more integrated, efficient, and responsive system for all those affected by sexual violence.

MSD undertook a multi-year work programme to understand the difference that the Budget 2019 investment made to sexual violence providers, sexual violence support service users and their whānau/support people. This included evaluation activities completed by MSD, the University of Canterbury and University of Otago.

Evaluation findings show the increased funding improved the accessibility, range and quality of specialist sexual violence services.

Key findings showed:

• improved access to specialist sexual violence services through new services and service locations
• greater service capacity and responsiveness through an expanded workforce
• increased workforce capability through more training and more specialised roles
• improved infrastructure and continued professionalisation of services
• increased access to more holistic, long-term, and whānau-centred care
• enhanced collaboration and referral pathways.

Many of the service improvements enabled by the Budget 2019 funding have strengthened the quality of support offered by specialist sexual violence services. Participants across the evaluations spoke about the positive changes in their lives because of their engagement with sexual violence service providers, including increased wellbeing, improved mental health, and vital skills to sustain these improvements.

The evaluations highlighted remaining service challenges amid growing demand for specialist SV services.  

The evaluation findings identify opportunities for MSD and our Executive Board for the Elimination of Family Violence and Sexual Violence partners to inform future service design and commissioning of sexual violence services.  The findings are relevant to all seven actions areas in Te Aorerekura’s second action plan (Te Aorerekura Action Plan 2025-2030 - Breaking the Cycle of Violence).

Synthesis report (MSD) 

This synthesis report combines findings from across evaluation activities to identify the overall impacts of the funding on specialist SV services.

Sexual Harm Crisis Support Service evaluation (University of Otago)

The Sexual Harm Crisis Support Service offers support to adults in crisis due to experiences of sexual violence. It supports victim-survivors and their family and whānau through emergency response, advocacy, and practical and emotional support.

Court Support Service evaluation (University of Otago) 

The Court Support Service provides emotional, spiritual, and practical support to adult victim-survivors going through the criminal justice process.

Peer Support for Male Survivors of Sexual Abuse Service evaluation (University of Canterbury) 

Peer Support for Male Survivors of Sexual Abuse Service offers specialist support aimed at enabling long-term recovery and wellbeing. The support includes peer support, advocacy, case planning and information for adult male survivors, their families and whānau and/or support network.

Harmful Sexual Behaviour Service for Non-mandated Adults evaluation (University of Canterbury) 

The Harmful Sexual Behaviour Service for Non-mandated Adults offers specialist behaviour change interventions. The support is delivered in a community setting by clinicians trained and experienced in the assessment and treatment of sexual offenders.

Content warning

The reports relate to sexual violence.

If you, or anyone you know, is affected by sexual violence or abuse, please reach out to any of the services below for support and assistance.

• Safe to talk - 0800 044 334, free text 4334, webchat and info at www.safetotalk.nz, email support@safetotalk.nz (24/7).
• Tautoko Tāne Male Survivors Aotearoa – support for the well-being of male survivors of sexual abuse www.malesurvivor.nz
• Wellstop - 04 566 4745, for whānau-centred treatment services for adults who have engaged in harmful or abusive sexual behaviour or have concerns about their behaviour and thoughts.
• Safe Network - 09 377 9898, for specialised therapeutic services for concerning and harmful sexual behaviour towards or involving children and minors.
• STOP - 03 353 0257, for whānau-centred support and therapy to adults, adolescents and children who have engaged in, or are demonstrating, concerning or harmful sexual behaviour.
• Shakti Crisis Line – 0800 742 584 for migrant or refugee women living with family violence (24/7).
• Women’s Refuge Crisis line – 0800 733 843 (0800 REFUGE), for women living with violence, or in fear, in their relationship or family (24/7).