SAFE: Stopping sexual abuse.
SEEKING HELP? Call 09 377 9898. It is never too late to change.
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Sapphire Programme for Women & Girls SAFE Network operates the largest community-based professional treatment programme in Aotearoa for men & adolescent boys with harmful sexual behaviour. A more recent development at SAFE has been two specialised programmes for women & adolescent girls (11-17 years), Manawahine and the Sapphire Programme. Statistics While international statistics suggest that approximately 95% of all sexually harmful behaviours are perpetrated by males, current research suggests that the scope of sexually harmful behaviour by females is larger than once thought. While traditionally the impact of sexual abuse perpetrated by females has been downplayed, the effects of these behaviours are significant for survivors. It is estimated that females commit 10% of the sexually abusive offences against girls (0-16 years) and 10-20% of those against boys (0-16 years). In some cases, such abuse can involve violence, force, threats and coercion. It is very common for adult women to co-offend with a male adult partner. What is harmful sexual behaviour? Harmful sexual behaviour by women and girls is sexual activity that is exploitative or lacks mutual consent. The types of acts carried out can include:
There are considerable differences amongst females who sexually abuse – both developmentally and in their harmful sexual behaviours – therefore treatment needs vary between adult women, young adult women and adolescent girls. The Sapphire Programme is based in Central Auckland, and provides therapeutic support to females who have engaged in harmful sexual behaviours. Many of the factors which contribute towards females with harmful sexual behaviour are connected to female experiences generally, and the context in which they are socialized. The single most common factor females who have sexually abused is their own history of sexual victimisation. Therefore, where a history of sexual victimisation has been a contributing factor, SAFE will work with both the sexually harmful behaviour and victimisation issues. We believe that each client requires an individual treatment plan with a tailored approach that considers all relevant cultural and clinical factors. This programme offers:
Following an assessment and acceptance into the programme, treatment length may vary between 3-24 months. This programme does not provide residential services, but will work with residential/caregiver service providers. Service delivery varies across the Tau Iwi & Tangata Whenua Programmes. For more information about the Manawahine Programme please contact Joy Te Wiata & Russell Smith, Rangatira Kaimahi, Co-leaders Te Kakano - SAFE on (09) 377 9898 or email joyt@safenetwork.org.nz For more information about The Sapphire Programme, please call Victoria Lendich on (09) 377 9898 (x 722) or email victorial@safenetwork.org.nz To download a general brochure about the Sapphire Programme click here. Referrals and enquiries SAFE Network accepts referrals from family members, government agencies such as Child, Youth and Family (CYF), Probation services, the courts, teachers or other professionals in the community such as lawyers, doctors, and counsellors. In relation to adolescent girls, please note that where referrals have not been made to SAFE by CYF, SAFE may refer your child to CYF, or ask you to make that referral. We may do this because serious care and protection concerns may exist concerning other children being at risk from your child. If this occurs, we will work closely with you and CYF to ensure the safest outcome is reached for all concerned. Referral forms can be downloaded from our website. To make a referral, simply download and complete a referral form and send it to us by mail or fax. Your referral will be reviewed before we make contact with you to arrange an appointment if an assessment is deemed suitable for the young person referred. |
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