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The Press
January 26, 2002
ACC to file complaint against law firm
by Kelly Andrew
ACC will
file an official complaint next week against a Christchurch
law firm over its controversial sex-abuse leaflet drop.
Wakefield Associates, a one-principal law firm
based in Riccarton which specialises in ACC claims, sent one million flyers
to households urging victims of sexual abuse to use its services.
The leaflets pointed to possible one-off payments
of up to $25,000 and ongoing sums of more than $150,000 available from ACC.
The corporation will complain to the New Zealand
Law Society over the content of the pamphlet, which it says is
"appalling".
Acting chief executive Garry Wilson said publicity
about the issue had been confusing and disturbing to sexual abuse victims.
"Sexual abuse in New Zealand is a national
disgrace. People who have been abused are vulnerable and need our sympathetic
and compassionate help," he said.
"To suggest these people are only after money
and that ACC is their personal gravy train is appalling."
Mr Wilson said not all sex abuse victims would be
entitled to a lump sum, and they would be offered counselling and other
rehabilitation first.
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