“Life-line” Counsellors’ Duties On Crime

Press, Volume CVI, Issue 31230, 30 November 1966, Page 18

“Life-line” Counsellors’ Duties On Crime

If, during a call for help, a confession to a serious crime were made, what would be the duty of a “Life-Line” telephone counsellor? a questioner asked a panel of senior “Life-Line” counsellors last evening.

The panel, the Revs. W. E. Falkingham (chairman), W. S. Dawson and A. R. Bowden and Mrs G. Dingwell, in answer said that it raised an important point because counsellors were in a privileged position and were bound not to betray confidences.

Mr Dawson said that rules could never be laid down for such cases. They would have to be treated on their merits, although it had to be remembered that it was not the duty of counsellors to keep the law. “If we are to be an effective organisation in the community we cannot go to the police readily for we would immediately cut our aid,” said Mr Dawson. Mr Dawson said that it would be better if counsellors could use their influence to get persons concerned to approach the police of their own accord.

“I think a counsellor could probably approach the police if there was any immediate possibility of an actual situation progressing—a danger of further assault or suicide,” said Mr Dawson. “It is our job to protect human life wherever possible.” Mr Falkingham agreed that if a case of life and death was thrust upon a counsellor, the police should be told.

The “Life-Line” statistical report, issued last evening, revealed that of the 2310 calls so far received, the largest section number of 538 were on marriage and family guidance. The analysis showed that 114 calls related to unmarried mothers, and was the second lowest. Lowest was 89, relating to alcoholism.

Under Way.—The Maori and Wahine both sailed from Lyttelton yesterday, the former for Dunkirk and the latter for Wellington. The Maori is the Messageries Maritimes passenger cargo liner which had made Lyttelton her final port of loading.