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The Star,
Christchurch,
January 16, 2002
Firm's offer worries false abuse group
By Guy Grant
A Christchurch law firm's offer to help alleged sex abuse victims get
compensation may prompt a flow of false abuse claims, warns a locally based
group which supports victims of untrue allegations.
The warning from Casualties Of false Sexual Allegations NZ Inc came in the
wake of moves by law firm Wakefield Associates to offer its services to
people who believed they were entitled to ACC compensation because of sexual
abuse.
Last week the Christchurch Star reported how the firm distributed fliers
around New Zealand saying it could help alleged sex abuse victims get lump
sum-payouts of up to $25,000 and on-going payments through ACC.
COSA chairperson John Lindsay said it was "a continuing concern"
that, in the absence of corroboration or mandatory investigation, sexual
abuse compensation may be based only on a counsellor's interpretation of the
claimant's behaviour.
Legislation reinstating lump sum ACC payments for permanent impairment comes
into force on April 1.
The group had grave concerns that the Wakefield initiative over legislation
that had not yet came into effect ran the risk of creating false allegations
for "physical gain" [COSA's statement had said 'fiscal gain' but
the statement was taken down by phone] or advantage in custody matters and
such allegations could lead to repercussions in the Family Court, he said.
"It is disappointing that the process of the legislation concerning ACC
sensitive claims (sexual abuse) has not been adequately conveyed,to the
public and COSA finds itself analysing contradictory
ministerial and departmental statements that now require clarification."
Emotive issue
The group believed the use of "a highly emotive sex abuse issue as a
promotional contractual lever to encompass matters covered under ACC acts of
1972 and onwards, and including legislation not yet in existence, was
"of dubious merit".
Wakefield Associates said it had had a lot of people responding to its flier
who were "absolutely thrilled" about the offer.
But ACC said the claim process was clearly defined and using a lawyer would
not influence a person's eligibility for accident cover.
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