Peter Ellis web site - Christchurch crèche case
	ACC Compensation for Sex Abuse - Index
	2004 Index
	Waikato Times July 16 2004 Study cash for sex abuse by Sid Pickering Hamilton researchers have been awarded more than $120,000 from the Accident Compensation Corporation as part of a project to find the best way to diagnose and help people who suffer mental illness as a result of sexual abuse. Hamilton's Psychology Centre and Massey University are to share a $600,000 ACC contract for the research. ACC pay for counselling and compensation to people who suffer mental illness after sexual abuse. General Manager Research and Corporate Services, Keith McLea, said about 5,000 claims had been made in the past three years. "We're looking for best practise first and foremost. If that results in a reduction in cost, so be it, but that's not the primary driver." Psychologist John Fitzgerald, who leads Hamilton's research team, said the money for the Hamilton branch of the research would cover six researchers including one who has used counselling services for sexual abuse. It involved reviewing what is being done now, assessing how effective and appropriate it was, and carrying out national focus groups with consumers and mental health workers to ensure solutions were practical. Dr Fitzgerald said ACC had underlined the importance of keeping the research independent. "They want independent research, not research that finds what they already know. They have set general objectives, but are leaving the rest to the research teams." The Hamilton team would begin the work when it found a consumer to be part of the team. The person would be required about one day a week for the 12 months of the research. Dr Fitzgerald said the person did not have to fit any demographic, but it would be easier if they were from Hamilton and were not currently mental health consumers. It was unusual for researchers to include the people they were studying in the research team, and the decision to do so was in response to a growing trend toward health consumer involvement. "The inclusion of a consumer will also have benefits for the research because we will be able to draw on a person's real life experience," he said. Past ACC services users interested in joining the Hamilton researchers can contact John Fitzgerald on 07 834 1520 or [email protected]