Nelson Rape Crisis Philosophy

To work towards the prevention and elimination of sexual violence and abuse in every area of our community.
To support the rights of women and children to live in a society free from sexual violence and abuse.
With a commitment to Te Tiriti o Waitangi, to challenge social attitudes and promote public awareness.
To promote co-operation, equality, self determination, personal growth, and consensus, inclusive of all women regardless of age, sexual orientation, culture, ethnicity and spiritual beliefs.

We recognize:

Rape is the degradation of the person’s whole self which affects every aspect of there being.
Rape includes all sexual acts forced on unwilling participants, not specifically penetration of a penis into a vagina, and all forms of coercion, not only physical.
We recognize child rape within the family as a prevalent form of rape in our society. We recognize the special needs of women and children survivors of such rape.
Rape and fear of rape are a powerful form of social control because they are and invasion of spiritual, bodily, psychological, and emotional integrity.
We are accountable to each other and to the women and children who use our service.