Lee Melissa: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to MinistersText is incorporated into the Bound VolumeLee Melissa: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers[Sitting date: 24 October 2013. Volume:694;Page:14269. Text is incorporated into the Bound Volume.]5.MELISSA LEE (National) to theMinister for Social Development: What recent initiatives has the Government supported to provide better support to those affected by sexual violence?Hon PAULA BENNETT (Minister for Social Development): On Tuesday I was pleased to speak in Auckland at the launch of a new web portal called The Harbour a resource for those who have been affected by sexual abuse. The Harbour will allow people to access vital information from a single trusted source so they do not have to go to multiple different sites to access the information they need. There is a myriad of information on the internet and unfortunately much of it is not correct. The Harbour includes information on how to access help if you are a victim of sexual abuse as well as information about how to assist if you fear someone may be being abused.Melissa Lee: How is The Harbour a good example of a whole-of-sector approach to addressing sexual abuse?Hon PAULA BENNETT: The Harbour is a result of excellent collaboration between the Government and NGOs. Development of The Harbour has been led by the Safe Network and its chief executive Jacqui Dillon deserves a real special mention for this being her initiative and for getting everyone on board. The Safe Network is an Auckland-based organisation that provides treatment for harmful sexual behaviour alongside the Auckland Sexual Abuse Help Foundation and Rape Prevention Education. There was a range of other Government agencies contributing. The Ministry of Social Development through Family and Community Services and Child Youth and Family the New Zealand Police the Department of Internal Affairs the Department of Corrections ACC the Ministry of Education the Ministry of Health the Ministry of Justice and the Ministry of Women’s Affairs all contributed in some way.Melissa Lee: How does The Harbour work to help prevent sexual violence?Hon PAULA BENNETT: Well what is a little different is that not only does The Harbour provide information for victims and their friends and family but also it acts as a resource for those who fear that they themselves may be at risk of offending. People concerned about their own behaviour can go to the “I think I’m causing harm” page on the site to seek information about what is normal behaviour and how they can seek help if they fear they might have offended or be offending against someone. I welcome this initiative and I congratulate those who have done it.Carol Beaumont: What will the Minister do to actually fund organisations that provide services to those affected by sexual abuse like Wellington Rape Crisis and Male Survivors of Sexual Abuse Wellington which are currently having to consider cutting services or closing down completely?Hon PAULA BENNETT: We currently have a review under way of all of those services and we are making very good progress. I think what happened with the Auckland helpline and the Auckland Sexual Abuse Help Foundation is actually a goodexample of real collaboration across agencies. As I say we are making progress and I think you will see that in due course.