How We Can Help 

Abuse & Rape Crisis Support (ARCS) Manawatu provides services to women, children and men who are survivors of sexual violence and their families. We work across all cultural groups and all age groups. Our services currently include:

Support for survivors of sexual violence and their families

The type of support we provide will be determined by the individual client. We are available to talk through the survivor’s experience, what effects the sexual violence have had on them and what path they may want to take to work towards resolving the trauma they have experienced.  Often family and friends are also affected by the sexual violence. We are here to support them too and can talk about how they are feeling (e.g. guilt, anger), how they can help the survivor, and the importance of looking after themselves as well. We are able to provide information on legal and medical procedures, as well as other resources available within the community.  We believe no-one should feel they need to cope with sexual violence on their own so we are available to accompanying survivors on medical visits, making a statement to police or court appearances.  We also believe it is very important that the survivor remains in control and determines his or her own path to recovery and healing. We are available to provide support to survivors on that path when and for however long that support is wanted.  

Telephone Crisis Support Line

The telephone crisis support line is staffed by trained volunteers between the hours of 8 pm and 8 am, seven days a week. This after-hours services ensures survivors and their families are able to access information and support throughout the week and into the evening –which is often the time when many people feel most vulnerable and alone. 

Counselling

The ARCS Manawatu counsellor (NZAC registered) provides therapeutic intervention services to children, adolescents and adults who have experienced sexual violence, working with them as individuals, couples and families.  

Survivors Group Program.

ARCS provides a 10 week group program for survivors to further progress their journey to wellbeing. The program provides a “tool kit”which will enable participants to challenge the effects of sexual abuse and to keep developing a new story as they move forward. 

Referral to other services

ARCS Manawatu staff are able to provide information on and referral to a range of relevant support services in the Manawatu and surrounding regions (e.g. ACC registered counsellors, drug and alcohol services, health facilities etc) 

Children’s Program

The VOYAGE (Valuing Ourselves: Youth Activities & Group Education) program is for children who have experienced or witnessed any form of violence. The program is court-approved and operates one day a week, after school hours, over nine weeks. Caregivers of the children involved in VOYAGE also attend four sessions over the term. We also deliver the SAM program, which is a school based anger management program for children of primary school age. This program is costed to the school. 

Community Education

ARCS Manawatu delivers prevention programs in High Schools and Alternative Education facilities We are also available to present seminars to those working in the social services sector outlining the issues around sexual violence and how to respond to survivors.  

Lobbying

Where appropriate we will lobby for changes in legislation and policy that will aid in the prevention of sexual violence or result in better support of the survivors of sexual violence.  

Office Hours

The ARCS Manawatu Office is open:Mondays to Friday 9 am – 5 pm; The telephone support crisis line is available Mondays to Sundays, 8 pm to 8 am Support services may be arranged outside of these hours when possible. Please phone to make an appointment. 

Costs

All services, including counselling and the VOYAGE program, are provided free of charge 

Referrals

Individuals are welcome to contact us directly. Referrals are not required but are welcome. 

Services for Offenders

We do not provide services to perpetrators of sexual violence, rather, we will provide information on other suitable resources in the community for offenders.