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Peter Ellis
web site - Christchurch crèche case |
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ACC Minister Ruth Dyson
says she is happy that ACC's decision to deny a lump-sum compensation claim
made by a victim of a serial rapist was handled appropriately. National MP Katherine Rich
said yesterday that the Government must investigate why ACC denied lump-sum
compensation to a victim of serial rapist Akeel Hassan Abbas Al Baiiaty. The 20-year-old student
was raped by Baiiaty at a Wellington area hostel last year, just weeks after he
was released from prison where he served a nine-year sentence for raping two
Auckland prostitutes and assaulting another with a knife. Baiiaty, a 35-year-old
Iraqi refugee, was last week sentenced to preventive detention with a minimum
non-parole period of seven years. The victim, who cannot
be named, applied to ACC for a lump-sum compensation payment on the grounds
she suffered post-traumatic stress and anxiety problems caused by the rape. A specialist who
treated the victim told a Wellington District Court jury her injuries -
internal lacerations and bruising to her legs - were the worst the doctor had
seen. ACC ruled she did not
suffer a long-term injury. Ms Rich said she did
not see how the woman could not have qualified for ACC support. "In the past
financial year ACC paid out more than $20 million for sexual abuse," she
said. "In many cases it
made award for claims where there was no investigation, no physical evidence,
no identified perpetrator, no charges and no convictions. "But this case as
reported is clear." However, Ms Dyson said
claims the victim received no support or advice from ACC were baseless and
untrue. "The woman is
covered by ACC for her injury. She has received funding for medical costs to
cover GP visits and counselling." Her application for
lump-sum compensation was declined because her doctor had indicated her
injuries were not permanent, she said. "When her doctor
does certify that she may have an ongoing impairment and that her injury has
stabilised, then she will be able to reapply for lump-sum compensation."
The victim was entitled
to have her GP and counselling costs paid for in the meantime, Ms Dyson said.
"It appears ACC
has handled this sensitive case carefully and appropriately, and entirely
within the requirements of the legislation." |
