Rape group seeks money

Press, 12 September 1984, Page 9

Rape group seeks money

The Christchurch Rape Crisis Group has appealed to city businesses and organisations for finance to continue its work. The incorporated society has sent out letters explaining its work and seeking funds. It provides telephone and person to person counselling for victims of rape, incest, and indecent assault and their families. It also runs a public education programme by speaking at secondary schools. A 24-hour telephone counselling service staffed by volunteers also costs the group a large amount. In the last year the group

received 350 telephone calls from victims, most of whom received person to person counselling. The Rape Crisis Group is staffed by two full-time workers, employed under a Labour Department scheme who do support and counselling work as well as the public education. They also compile information which will help provide an understanding of rape and may assist in the formulation of legislation. A recent street appeal by the group netted only $3OOO, which was not enough to pay all the centre’s expenses.