The Survivor Experiences Service is available for people who were abused in State, faith-based, or other forms of care, as well as for a survivor’s whānau.
Survivors and whānau can contact the Survivor Experiences Service to organise a time and place to share their experiences.:
To find out more about the Survivor Experiences Service, visit their home page(external link) on survivorexperiences.govt.nz
Below is a list of some of the telephone helplines or services that offer support, information and help. All services are free.
For people wanting to access wellbeing support after the public apology, a helpline, Safe to Talk is available 24/7:
Alcohol and Drug Helpline(external link) 0800 787 797 or online chat for people dealing with an alcohol or other drug problem; 10 am to 10 pm
Anxiety phone line(external link) 0800 269 4389 (0800 ANXIETY)
Are You OK(external link) 0800 456 450 for 24/7 specialist family violence support
Depression Helpline(external link) 0800 111 757 or free text 4202 (to talk to a trained counsellor about how you are feeling or to ask any questions)
Lifeline(external link) 0800 543 354 (0800 LIFELINE) or free text 4357 (HELP)
Male Survivors of Sexual Abuse Aotearoa New Zealand(external link) Support services for male survivors of sexual abuse. Refer to website for the support organisation nearest to you or call: 0800 044 334, Text: 4334
Need to talk?(external link) Free call or text 1737 any time for support from a trained counsellor
OUTline NZ(external link) 0800 688 5463 (OUTLINE) provides confidential telephone support for sexuality or gender identity issues; 9 am to 9 pm weekdays, and 6 pm to 8 pm weekends)
(external link)Safe to talk(external link) (Available 24/7) 0800 044 334, free txt 4334, email support@safetotalk.nz Free and confidential information and support from trained counsellors for people affected by sexual harm in any way
Skylight(external link) 0800 299 100 for trauma, loss and grief; 9am–5pm weekdays
SNAP Aotearoa New Zealand - Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests(external link) Providing peer support for women and men wounded by religious and institutional authorities (priests, ministers, bishops, deacons, nuns, coaches, teachers, and others)
Suicide Crisis(external link) Helpline 0508 828 865 (0508 TAUTOKO)
Telehealth services(external link) Government-funded free to the public, 24x7 national telehealth services, run across seven digital channels.
Victim Support(external link) This free service provides emotional and practical support, information, financial assistance, referral to other support services and advocacy for the rights of victims
Youthline (external link)0800 376 633, free text 234 or email talk@youthline.co.nz or online chat
