Work continues to create access to the Sensitive Claims Service through Safe to talk
We’re beginning the next stage of our partnership with Whakarongorau Aotearoa | New Zealand Telehealth Services and the Ministry of Social Development (MSD) to develop a new pathway to the Sensitive Claims Service via Safe to talk, the national sexual harm helpline.
Safe to talk is the nationwide helpline, run by Whakarongorau and funded by MSD, that provides free and confidential support and information to anyone affected by sexual harm. Through Safe to talk, people affected by sexual harm can get advice and support from trained specialists and be connected to support services in their community. Safe to talk is available 24/7 through text, webchat, phone, email and via online.
This work began in May 2023 when Whakarongorau collaborated with providers, suppliers, survivors of sexual violence and others to design what the new pathway to the Sensitive Claims Service via Safe to talk could look like.
The goal is to create a central point of entry through Safe to talk for all survivors where they can find information, be referred to an appropriate service, get help finding an ACC supplier and feel supported while waiting to see a provider.
The new pathway to the Sensitive Claims Service on Safe to talk will launch later this year, and the service will continue to be enhanced over the next three years. Our current priority is to implement the high-level design that was completed in June 2024 as we prepare for go-live. We’re working closely with Whakarongorau and MSD to do this and will continue to share details and any opportunities to be involved or provide feedback.
To learn more about the design of this new pathway, download the slide pack from the Waharoa Presentation from February and March.