Can you lend a hand?

HEALING WOMEN: Whangarei Rape Crisis members Lydia Trevena (left), Rosanna Shortcliffe, Joanne Phillips and Hariata Riwhi would like to see more volunteers. PHOTO/JOHN STONE

There is no one scenario about how rape happens or its traumatic aftermath but the common truth of the often secret crime is that the survivor needs support.

The majority of sex offences do not become public knowledge and the number of girls and women helped by Whangarei Rape Crisis is not for public report either - but anecdotally it averages at least one every four days.

That is just the tip of the iceberg - the true measure of the problem lies hidden under the surface, co-ordinator and educator Joanne Phillips says.

Whangarei Rape Crisis offers support to the "survivors" at any stage and through any process that follows a client coming for help.

No one is turned away, but now the helpers need help, Ms Phillips says.

"Quite simply, we need more volunteers."

A comprehensive training course (two days per week over four weeks) will start next week, and Ms Phillips is asking for interested prospective volunteers to apply.

For various reasons, not everyone who does the training finds they can become a volunteer, and not all volunteers work directly with clients.

"There are a number of areas we need help in. Staffing a 24/7 crisis phone line, even someone coming in and doing the housekeeping would be great, data statistics entry, photocopying, dropping off pamphlets," Ms Phillips said.

A strict code of ethics defines the collective's work. Every decision about its function is made collectively, every interaction is highly confidential, and the underlying Rape Crisis ethos is "women helping women heal".

In the past year, 14 cases were referred to the Whangarei group directly by police. Others come forward through a variety of referrals but most make direct contact, and many cases relate to historic events. Parents concerned a child is in danger or has been molested also seek support from the group.

Statistics show that 44 per cent of sexual violence or unwanted attention happens in a woman's or girl's own home, 23.8 per cent at someone else's home and 17 per cent in public places or away from a home situation.

The Rape Crisis collectives work closely with other women's welfare groups and specialty services.

"If we feel a woman's situation is beyond our scope we refer her on, but we never cut the cord," Ms Phillips said.

Women interested in the volunteer training can phone 438 6221 during working hours or email whgrcrisis@xtra.co.nz