Child sex abuse hysteria and the Ellis case
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	The Daily News September 12 1996 Sex abuse statistics Letter by G Waugh, Auckland The unfortunate letter by Lorraine Jans (August 17) demonstrates my point so clearly: Beware the sex abuse industry. Her statements are compelling illustrations of the sophistry underlying Rape Crisis and DSAC attempts at social engineering. "New Zealand research is scarce," she says, but her figures are "supported by well-documented statistics"! She multiplies 2500 by five years (1992-96) to get 12,500 new cases, excluding other agencies. Claims about sexual abuse from "industry" sources include one in nine males, one in three girls -- and perhaps as many boys -- one in five women, hundreds of thousands of children, (there could be) 476,000 women . . . ad infinitum. The claim that "most victims never disclose" is deceitful. Beliefs and opinions are poor substitutes for knowledge and reality. In the years 1992-95, a national total of 575 convictions for rape were made (annual average 144) representing 48% of those indicted (Ministry of Justice, Spier P, Nov 95). DSAC's Christchurch clinic charged SHRA some $700 per consultation (Christchurch Press, August 3). Clarity of thought, commonsense, integrity and scientific credibility have exposed the tragedy of false allegations and the mendacity of false statistics created by this noxious "industry". It is time to replace its numerology and mythology with honest, rational discussion. The Daily News August 17 1996 Rape statistics Letter by Lorraine Jans, Co-ordinator, New Plymouth Rape Crisis In reply to G. Waugh (August 13), I would like to refute several misguided statements. The implementation of a roster of female doctors to deal with rape and sexual abuse in the Taranaki area has been long overdue. Rape and sexual assault victims surely have the right to choose whether they are examined by a male or a female doctor. Not only is it important that women doctors are available, but also that the doctor undertaking the examination is well trained and sensitive to the needs of the victim. As Dr Todd rightly stated, many victims do not come forward and lay complaints. Dr Todd is not using any psychic ability, but is stating facts which can be supported by National Rape Crisis statistics. From 1992-1996, Rape Crisis, nationally, has each year worked with 2500 new clients. These figures do not take into account such organisations as Maori and Pacific Island counselling services, Help foundations, CYPS, and other agencies that compile statistics. Yes, G. Waugh, the figures from the DSAC conference in Wellington were outrageous, but supported by well-documented statistics. You omitted to mention that one in nine males has been abused. At this stage the New Zealand research is scarce and it is rather frightening to ponder on the statistics if men felt more comfortable about disclosing their abuse. Many women and men do not disclose because of the stigma surrounding rape and sexual abuse. This has, in no way, diminished when attitudes such as yours continue to stigmatise and minimise victims. The DSAC rape conference in Wellington was endorsed and attended by members of the police, judiciary and Children and Young Person's Service. They all acknowledged the need for the continued improvement in services offered to victims of rape and sexual assault. The doctors in Christchurch certainly have never received $700 for consultations and have recently had funding cut in half by the Southland Regional Health Authority. G. Waugh should make sure that figures bandied about can be supported by facts. I would be interested to have proof of doctors who have received that lofty sum for consultations. If, G. Waugh, you were involved in a motor accident through no fault of your own, you would expect a 24-hour service with trained medical staff to care for you. Or would you rather wait until Monday and see the cleaner? Why should rape victims receive any less?